CBI Arrests EPFO Enforcement Officer in Jalgaon for Rs 25,000 Bribery
(Judicial Quest News Network)
In a significant operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an Enforcement Officer of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in Jalgaon for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000 from a complainant.
The investigation was initiated following a case registered on October 8, 2024. The complainant, who manages a labor supply firm on behalf of his father, reported that on July 31, 2024, the firm received an email from the Regional Head of the EPFO in Jalgaon. The email informed them of an upcoming audit scheduled from July 31 to August 2, 2024.
During the audit, the Audit Officer allegedly informed the complainant that the firm had defaulted on its Provident Fund (PF) contributions for March 2023, with outstanding dues amounting to approximately Rs 2 lakh. Subsequently, the accused Enforcement Officer contacted the complainant by phone and demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 to resolve the PF issues. After negotiations, the officer agreed to settle for Rs 25,000.
Acting on the complaint, the CBI set up a sting operation and apprehended the Enforcement Officer red-handed while he was demanding and accepting the bribe. Following the successful operation, the officer was promptly arrested.
In addition to the arrest, the CBI conducted thorough searches at both the residential and official premises of the accused in Jalgaon and Nashik. These searches yielded incriminating documents that may further implicate the officer in corrupt practices.
The investigation is ongoing as the CBI continues to gather evidence and explore the broader implications of this case. This arrest underscores the agency’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability within government organizations.
