The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) detained two public servants, including a senior officer from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), in Srinagar over a bribery allegation. Vinay Kumar, the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner (RPFC) at the EPFO office in Batmaloo, and Amin Sofi, a Senior Security Assistant at the same office, were the individuals arrested. The CBI initiated a case on March 31 after a complaint stated that the RPFC demanded a bribe of Rs 1.5 lakh to avoid punitive measures against a school.
During a prompt operation following the complaint, Sofi was caught accepting Rs 50,000 from the complainant on behalf of the RPFC. The agency ensured transparency by conducting the trap legally and with independent witnesses present. Subsequently, Vinay Kumar was also apprehended after the recovery of the bribe amount. Investigators mentioned that Kumar admitted to receiving the money through an intermediary, further solidifying the case against him.
The arrests occurred in the Batmaloo area of Srinagar, where the EPFO regional office is situated. Ongoing searches and investigations aim to uncover potential involvement of other officials in the alleged bribery scheme. The CBI emphasized its dedication to combating corruption in public offices and encouraged the public to report any instances of bribery or misconduct. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
