Central excise superintendent caught taking Rs 10 lakh bribe in Hyderabad

He had allegedly demanded Rs 10 lakh as illegal gratification to cover up irregularities at a company.

HYDERABAD: The  Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday arrested S Gopala Krishna Murthy, superintendent with the anti-evasion wing of the Central Excise department here, for allegedly receiving a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a businessman for doing an official favour.

According to CBI, Murthy  inspected  KM Plastics company at Katedan here on March 1 during which he found several irregularities. He had allegedly demanded Rs 10 lakh as illegal gratification from its owner Jagdish Prasad to cover up the irregularities, the CBI alleged in its FIR.

Of the total amount of `10 lakh, the first installmen

t of `6 lakh was  delivered on the morning of March 7 and the second instalment of the remaining Rs 4 lakh was to be delivered in the afternoon to the accused.  

“The accused was caught red-anded while accepting the second instalment of `4 lakh.  Both Jagadish and Gopala Krishna Murthy have been arrested.

“Searches were conducted at the official and residential premises of Murthy which led to recovery of `5.6 lakh along with several other incriminating documents,” the official said adding that the accused were produced before the court.

The businessman, who was allegedly threatened by the accused officer, has sought protection from the CBI. He also informed the CBI officials that some other officials of the department were also harassing him demanding bribe.

During questioning, the accused allegedly confessed to his crime.