Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended four individuals, including an assistant director from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and three officials from a private laboratory in Thane, regarding a bribery case. They were caught in the act, exchanging Rs.1.2 lakh in cash at a bar on Sunday. According to agency sources, the money was intended as a bribe for the FSSAI assistant director to settle outstanding bills of the private laboratory. Following their court appearance, all accused individuals were remanded in CBI custody until Wednesday.
The private laboratory, certified by FSSAI, conducts sample testing for the food safety regulator in exchange for fees, as per agency sources. On Saturday, the CBI registered cases against the firm’s director, Vikas Bhardwaj, senior manager Harshal Chougule, and another official, Gurunath Dubule, under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code for conspiracy, bribery of a public servant, bribery of a public servant by a commercial organization, and abetment.
A CBI officer stated, “The case was initiated based on information alleging regular bribery demands and acceptance by FSSAI assistant director (technical) Amol Jagtap, often in collusion with intermediaries.” Jagtap had reportedly agreed to accept a bribe from the senior manager of the private firm to clear their pending bills, with the transaction scheduled near Vashi railway station in Navi Mumbai, according to CBI sources.
Acting on this intelligence, the CBI set a trap and apprehended Jagtap as he received Rs.1.2 lakh from Chougle and Dubule at a bar on Sunday. Both officials from the private firm were arrested on the spot, while director Vikas Bhardwaj was detained later.
Subsequently, the CBI conducted searches at the accused’s offices and residences, resulting in the seizure of cash totaling Rs.37.3 lakh, 45 grams of gold, documents related to multiple properties, and other potentially incriminating evidence, which is under examination, officials stated.
