CBI arrests 3 postal officials for bribery in Bijapur

 

 

 

IN a major anti-corruption crackdown, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested three officials of the Postal Department in Bijapur district while they were allegedly accepting bribes. The operation has sent shockwaves through the district and exposed what officials describe as a well-organised corruption network within the department. Those caught include Sub-Divisional Inspector (Posts), Bijapur, Shastri Kumar Paikara; Postal Superintendent, Bijapur, Maloth Shobhan; and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) Santosh Andrik.

 

The CBI team reportedly recovered around Rs 43,000 in bribe money during the operation. According to sources, the Postal Department in the district had been plagued by systematic bribery for an extended period. Rural postal employees were allegedly forced to pay illegal gratification for appointments, transfers, branch office inspections and clearance of allowances. It is learnt that following the recent transfer of 31 postal employees, a bribe of Rs 15,000 was allegedly demanded from each individual.

 

Acting on complaints lodged by aggrieved employees, a six-member CBI team reached Bijapur on Wednesday afternoon. After laying a trap and conducting a planned operation, the officials were caught red-handed while accepting bribes. Sources said the accused were interrogated extensively through Wednesday and Thursday. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the alleged racket had been operating for nearly two years, with SDI(P) Shastri Kumar Paikara suspected to be a key figure.

 

There are also unverified allegations of intimidation and harassment of employees, including women staff, which are currently under investigation. Meanwhile, several postal employees have come forward with serious allegations, claiming that bribes were routinely demanded for postings and transfers, and that those who refused faced threats and mental harassment. Similar allegations have also surfaced against other officials, though the CBI has not officially confirmed these claims. The CBI is expected to produce the three accused before a special court shortly.