Bansal's nephew held for accepting Rs. 90 lakh bribe

In a sensational case of alleged bribery of Rs. 90 lakh for fixing a top level position in the government, Railway Minister P.K. Bansal’s nephew was arrested on Friday by the CBI which also held a Member of the Railway Board.

Senior officials said Bansal’s nephew V. Singla was arrested in Chandigarh for accepting Rs. 90 lakh in cash from Manjunath, the conduit of Kumar, recently promoted as Member (Staff) and trying to get a lucrative position as Member (Electrical).

Kumar was arrested in Mumbai by a CBI team soon after he had flown in from Delhi. The CBI has registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the IPC against him.

The other person arrested by the CBI was Sandip Goyal, who allegedly assisted in brokering the deal.

Bansal could not be contacted for reaction.

The CBI conducted searches in Delhi, Chandigarh and other cities, the officials said.

In an operation kept under wraps, the CBI kept a tab on Kumar’s movements and phone calls and swooped down on Mr. Singla at the time of bribe payment.

Both Singla and Manjunath were taken to the CBI office in the city where they were placed under arrest. Kumar was General Manager (Western railways) and promoted recently as Member, Railway Board, a post equivalent to Secretary in the Government of India.