In a major crackdown on corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered cases against several officials and private companies for fraudulent activities that caused huge financial losses to the government.
Ahead of investigations, the CBI recently launched searches at four different locations, including the homes and offices of the accused. During these searches, important documents and digital evidence were seized, helping to uncover the illegal activities.
One case involves Deepak Lamba, a former Deputy General Manager (DGM) at the Ordnance Factory Ambajhari in Nagpur. Lamba, along with Mohit Tholia, owner of the private company Automation Engineering and Industrial Services, was accused of corruption and conspiracy. The FIR, filed on August 25, alleges that Lamba used his position to help his own company win government tenders unfairly.
According to the complaint, Lamba manipulated the tender process and submitted false experience certificates to get the contracts. He also conducted financial transactions through his personal and family bank accounts to benefit the private firm. The investigation suggests this misconduct caused the government to lose lakhs of rupees.
In another scandal, the CBI exposed a gold export fraud at Chennai Airport that reportedly caused the government over Rs 1,000 crore in losses between 2020 and 2022. The FIR names 13 accused, including Customs officials, a jewellery assessor, a customs agent, and gold jewellery manufacturers.
Authorities say that these accused imported 24-carat gold bars using the Duty-Free Import Authorization (DFIA) scheme, which was meant for re-exporting converted gold into ornaments. Instead, they allegedly exported low-quality, gold-plated jewelry and brass or copper ornaments, pocketing the profit and hurting public revenue.
This crackdown shows the government’s firm stance against corruption and illegal trade activities. Investigations are ongoing, and more details are expected to come out soon.
Stay tuned for updates on these high-profile cases.