New Delhi erupted in shock as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) caught a senior scientist from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) red-handed accepting a bribe. The dramatic arrest unfolded in the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department (FMCD) at BIS’s ITO office, highlighting deep-rooted corruption within a key regulatory body.
Abhijeet Singh, a Scientist-C positioned in FMCD, was trapped on February 6 after demanding Rs 70,000 to expedite a certification file. A complaint from a private firm alerted CBI to the extortion racket, where Singh allegedly stalled approvals unless paid off. Acting swiftly, CBI laid a trap and nabbed him as he pocketed the tainted cash.
Searches at Singh’s residence and office yielded crucial evidence, bolstering the case under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This bust sends a strong message: no one is above the law in India’s fight against graft.
The investigation probes deeper, scrutinizing Singh’s past dealings and potential accomplices. Officials suspect a wider network exploiting certification processes for foreign manufacturers, which ensure product safety and standards compliance.
BIS, tasked with upholding quality benchmarks nationwide, now faces scrutiny over internal integrity. This incident underscores the need for robust oversight in public institutions handling critical certifications.
Just a day prior, CBI arrested two MES engineers in Pune for demanding Rs 6 lakh in a separate bribery case, signaling a nationwide crackdown on corrupt officials. As probes continue, the public awaits revelations on systemic vulnerabilities.