The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made a significant arrest in Maharashtra’s Nagpur, apprehending Arvind Kale, a general manager of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), on charges of accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 20 lakh. The arrest follows allegations that Kale, who also serves as a project director, received the bribe from an employee of Bansal Construction Works Private Limited, a Bhopal-based company engaged in infrastructure construction.
The CBI’s operation extended to five locations in Bhopal and Nagpur, encompassing residential and official premises. During the searches, cash amounting to Rs 45 lakh, including the alleged bribe sum, was recovered. Alongside Kale, the CBI has registered a case against 11 individuals, including the company and its director, in connection with the bribery scandal.
According to officials, the CBI’s probe was prompted by intelligence suggesting that Bansal Construction Works Private Limited had been funneling bribes to NHAI officials, purportedly in exchange for favorable treatment in various matters related to road projects. These alleged favors include the issuance of completion certificates, processing of bills, and ensuring the smooth progression of contracts awarded to the company by NHAI for infrastructure development projects in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Specifically implicating Kale, the investigation revealed that he accepted the bribe from a senior employee of the construction company to expedite pending matters, such as the processing of bills and issuance of completion certificates. Alongside the recovery of cash, the CBI also seized incriminating documents during the raids, further bolstering the case against the accused.
The arrest of Kale underscores the CBI’s commitment to combatting corruption and upholding integrity within government institutions. It serves as a stern warning to individuals engaged in illicit activities, highlighting the consequences of engaging in corrupt practices. The CBI’s swift action in apprehending Kale and launching a comprehensive investigation underscores its resolve to root out corruption and ensure accountability in public service.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case against Kale and his associates will shed light on the extent of corruption within NHAI and the construction industry at large, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to prevent such malpractices in the future.
