CBI Arrests EPFO Officials in Baddi for Accepting ₹10 Lakh Bribe

Shimla, 27 November 2024: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner and an Enforcement Officer, both from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in Baddi, Solan district, along with a private consultant, for accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh. The bribe consisted of ₹5 lakh in cash and “self-cheques” worth ₹5 lakh, demanded to settle a pending Provident Fund (PF) case.

The CBI registered the case on 24 November 2024, following allegations that the Enforcement Officer demanded the bribe through the private consultant, claiming it was required to favorably resolve a PF demand against the complainant’s firm. The officers allegedly threatened that if the demand wasn’t met, the recovery amount would escalate to ₹45-50 lakh.

During the sting operation, the consultant was caught red-handed accepting the bribe on behalf of the EPFO officials. Subsequently, the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner’s involvement was uncovered, and all three were arrested. They are being presented before the Special CBI Court in Shimla.

Searches were conducted at seven locations, including Baddi, Solan, Shimla, and Chandigarh, resulting in the seizure of approximately ₹23.5 lakh in cash and several incriminating documents from the Commissioner’s premises in Chandigarh.

CBI officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing.

Samagra Sikhsha