CBI Arrests Mumbai Customs Officer for Accepting ₹80,000 Bribe

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Kumar Saket, a Customs Superintendent, for accepting a bribe of ₹80,000 to clear an import shipment at the International Courier Terminal in Sahar, Andheri (East), Mumbai. This action followed a complaint from a businessman in Pune, who claimed that Saket demanded ₹1 lakh to process his shipment.

Incident Details

The businessman reported that Saket initially asked for ₹1.4 lakh to clear the shipment that arrived on July 6. When the businessman said he couldn’t pay that amount, Saket reduced the demand to ₹1 lakh and provided his phone number for further contact.

The CBI verified the complaint with witnesses and set up a sting operation. On Tuesday, they caught Saket in the act of accepting ₹80,000 from the businessman at his office. The CBI also searched Saket’s home in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai.

Legal Proceedings

Saket was brought before a special court on Wednesday and was remanded to CBI custody for three days for further questioning.

Implications

This arrest highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in India’s bureaucracy and demonstrates the CBI’s efforts to address these issues. It also raises questions about the integrity of customs processes and their impact on businesses dealing with imports.

The investigation may uncover broader issues within the customs department, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of import procedures at Mumbai’s international terminals. This could help improve transparency and efficiency in the system.

The CBI’s arrest of Kumar Saket marks a significant step in combating corruption within India’s customs department. As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that this case will serve as a warning to other public servants and contribute to a more transparent and accountable system.