The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday caught Ranchi Doordarshan’s deputy director general Shailesh Pandit while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 as a kickback.
“He has been arrested while raids are continuing at his residence,” said a CBI official who did not want to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media.
Pandit was arrested at his home in Ranchi while he was allegedly accepting the money from a lower divisional clerk as his “share” of some departmental purchases.
Sources in the CBI said a complaint had been registered against Pandit by the clerk, whose identity has been kept secret pending further inquiry. The clerk alleged that Pandit often demanded a “share” in all departmental purchases.
“Based on his allegations, a trap team was constituted. The team raided his house in the morning while the clerk had gone to pay the bribe. He was immediately taken into custody,” a source said.
Following Pandit’s arrest, CBI expanded the scope of its investigation and conducted raids at his office and residence.
The CBI registered a case under different sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, including the charge of misusing his post. Pandit, who was due to retire on June 30, will be produced in a local court by Thursday.
Pandit's arrest evoked mixed reactions within Doordarshan, with his colleagues divided over the charges levelled against him.
Pandit's arrest evoked mixed reactions within Doordarshan, with his colleagues divided over the charges levelled against him.
A section of employees hailed his arrest and alleged he often ignored work and spent time at home, while a group of senior officials told Hindustan Times he was a thorough gentleman who had become the “victim of some conspiracy”.