Inder Vashisth
The CBI has arrested Rajendra Rawat, Joint Chief Controller (Explosives), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Navi Mumbai, and Rahul Bachate (private individual) in a bribery case. A total of Rs 26 lakh was recovered from Rajendra Rawat’s home and office. The CBI registered the case based on information received from sources about alleged large-scale corrupt practices by Joint Chief Controller (Explosives), Rajendra Rawat, in connivance with personal consultants and agents.
Based on the information, a trap was subsequently laid. During this operation, Rahul Bachate (a private individual) was caught delivering a package to the home of accused officer Rajendra Rawat. Upon questioning, Rahul (a private individual) confessed to giving a bribe of ₹9 lakh to Rajendra Rawat’s wife. The CBI seized the said amount, along with an additional ₹7.5 lakh in unaccounted cash, from Rajendra Rawat’s home.
Additionally, during a search of the office of accused officer Rajendra Rawat, another agent admitted to bringing in ₹8 lakh in bribe money. This cash was recovered from his vehicle.
Meanwhile, an architect present in the office admitted to bringing a bribe of ₹1.5 lakh for another government official. This amount was also seized.