The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against an alleged middleman for demanding a bribe of Rs 4 lakh from a fine art collector and businessman. The businessman had purchased Raja Ravi Varma prints, oleographs, and lithostones through an auction conducted by the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT-II) in Mumbai.
Details of the Case
According to the CBI, the accused, identified as Vijay Kumar, allegedly sought the bribe on behalf of officials of the DRT and a bank. The bribe was demanded to facilitate the clearance of the auction file and the release of the purchased artworks. The complainant, who is the proprietor of India Fine Art, had successfully won the bid for the Raja Ravi Varma prints on April 6. He paid Rs 18.2 lakh towards the bid amount. After completing the payment process, the businessman was allegedly informed to wait for the final clearance of the file and the handing over of the auctioned items.
Alleged Demand for Bribe
Kumar allegedly approached the complainant and demanded a bribe of Rs 4 lakh for facilitating the release of the artworks. The CBI has initiated an investigation into the matter and is looking into the roles of the DRT and bank officials involved.
This case highlights the challenges faced by art collectors and businessmen in dealing with bureaucratic processes and alleged corruption. The CBI's action underscores its commitment to tackling corruption in public institutions.
