Shimla: In a high-profile corruption case, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team from Chandigarh team conducted a raid at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Strawberry Hills, Shimla.
The ED Deputy Director, accused of accepting bribes, fled with a middleman just before the CBI raid. During the operation, the CBI seized several files and other documents from the office. It has been alleged that the accused extorted money from people.
The CBI has launched a manhunt for the absconding Deputy Director and his accomplice. A raid was also conducted at the official’s Shimla residence.
The CBI team spent hours examining records at the ED office, which is involved in investigating a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Bribery allegations and CBI investigation
The Deputy Director is accused of demanding lakhs of rupees through a middleman in exchange for settling a case. The accused parties had already filed a written complaint with the CBI in Chandigarh.
Acting on the complaint, senior CBI officials formed a special team for investigation. A meeting was arranged between the complainants and the middleman, during which the CBI recorded discussions about the alleged financial transactions.
However, the ED Deputy Director learnt of the impending operation and escaped with the middleman.
On Monday, the CBI registered a case against the Deputy Director under charges of corruption and other related offences.
Evidence and 36-hour raid
According to CBI sources, substantial evidence had been collected against the accused, including documents and electronic records related to illegal transactions.
A CBI team has been dispatched outside Shimla to track the Deputy Director.
The CBI coordinated with Shimla-based central agency officials during the raid, which lasted an unprecedented 36 hours, beginning Tuesday morning and continuing until Wednesday evening.
Office staff were restricted from leaving or entering the premises during the operation.
Central agencies under scrutiny
The case has sparked significant discussion as it involves two central investigation agencies. While the ED investigates money laundering cases, the CBI handles corruption-related offenses.
The unusual raid on the ED office by the CBI has become a topic of national interest.
CBI officials have confirmed that a case had been registered, but further details had not been disclosed.
The ED office remained under tight scrutiny, with additional staff called in despite the Christmas holidays.