In a major crackdown on corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a senior official from a premier government research body in a bribery scandal. The agency arrested the joint director of the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) in Bengaluru on Friday, January 9, 2026, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 9.5 lakh.
The Sting Operation and Arrests
The CBI laid a trap and caught the accused official, Rajaram Mohanrao Chennu, red-handed while he was transacting the bribe amount with an executive from a private company. The arrest took place in Bengaluru. In a simultaneous move, the investigative agency also arrested Atul Khanna, the director of the implicated private firm, Sudhir Group of Companies. The CBI's action stems from allegations that Chennu was engaging in corrupt practices by receiving bribes in exchange for issuing favourable test reports for electrical equipment manufactured by the said company.
Massive Cash and Document Haul from Raids
Following the arrests, the CBI conducted extensive searches at the residence of the accused CPRI joint director. The results were staggering. Investigators seized a huge pile of cash worth over Rs 3.59 crore in various foreign currencies. The foreign currency stash included US Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars, Singapore Dollars, Indonesian Rupiah, Malaysian Ringgit, Euros, Chinese Yuan (Renminbi), Swedish Krona, and UAE Dirham.
Apart from the massive foreign cash recovery, the raids also led to the seizure of jewellery and several other incriminating documents. A CBI spokesperson stated that the total cash recovery, including the foreign currency, stands at approximately Rs 3.76 crore so far, and the searches are still ongoing.
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This case highlights serious concerns about integrity within technical certification processes for critical electrical equipment. The Central Power Research Institute is a key organization under the Ministry of Power, responsible for testing and certification, making the allegations particularly grave. The discovery of such a large sum in foreign currency raises questions about the scale and duration of the alleged corrupt activities. The CBI's investigation is continuing as they delve deeper into the documents recovered and the financial trail to uncover the full extent of the corruption network.
The arrests underscore the agency's continued focus on rooting out corruption from public offices and ensuring accountability. The case also serves as a stern warning to officials in positions of trust who might be tempted to misuse their authority for personal gain.
