In one of its biggest raids on the Customs Department in Chennai, the CBI has arrested nine officials and two others from the Chennai Airport.
CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) sleuths raided the air cargo complex for two days, following specific information and arrested nine customs officials including four Superintendents and two women on bribery charges and seized over Rs 40 lakh worth of cash and gold.
They were accused of receiving bribe from passengers and importers to clear baggage for lesser or no duty. Cash and gold running to over Rs 40 lakh were also seized, the release said.
"There was a specific information that the officials of Customs working in Unaccompanied Baggage Unit of Air Customs Cargo Complex, obtain illegal gratification from passengers coming from abroad and importers for clearing their unaccompanied baggage charging less or no duty, through a private person," the press release said.
During the search, Rs 16 lakh in cash and nearly two kg gold jewellery worth about Rs 25 lakh were seized from the accused, the release said, adding searches were on in their premises too.
"Investigation is in progress to ascertain whether the bribe amount collected is shared among officers of Chennai customs of all ranks," it said.
They were produced later before the Principal Judge for CBI cases, Mohammed Essad Ali, who remanded the arrested officials to judicial custody till December 8.
- Asian Tribune -
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