3 Central Drug Standard officials caught taking bribe worth lakhs

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Assistant Drug Controller Arvind Hibale, Drug Inspector Devendra Nath and employee Nageshwar Sabbani from the Panvel office of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in a bribery case.

The Custom House Agent (CHA), which issues No Objection Certificates (NOC) to manufacturers, importers and exporters of pharmaceutical drugs, arrested the trio. 100 to Rs. A charge of Rs 5000 has been imposed for allegedly accepting bribe.

CBI officials claimed that the bribe amount was collected over the counter from the CHA or its representatives and distributed among all the concerned employees, including Hiwale, inside the office premises.

Acting on a tip-off in this regard, the CBI along with the Vigilance Department conducted a surprise check at the office of CDSCO at JWR Logistics in Panvel on Tuesday. During this action, a total cash amount of Rs 1.5 lakh was recovered from the drawers and bags of Hiwale, Nath and Sabnani. This cash was found in 100, 200 and 500 rupee notes. Subsequently, the investigating agencies also received written complaints from CHAs and their representatives regarding demand of bribe by government employees.

The CBI recorded statements in this regard and an FIR was registered under corruption laws against three accused officials and three private individuals. On Thursday, Nathi and Sabbani were remanded to CBI custody till April 8, when they will be produced in court.