Former Prasar Bharati Officials, Ex-IB Deputy Secretary Booked by CBI in Graft Case

New Delhi : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a probe into a corruption case involving a former deputy secretary from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) and six former Prasar Bharati officials. The case was referred to the CBI by the Lokpal following a complaint filed in the previous year. According to CBI officials, the list of suspects includes the former MoIB deputy secretary, a former Additional Director General (Engineering) of Prasar Bharati, an ADG (Engineering-Headquarters), two Assistant Engineers from Doordarshan Kendra-Bhubaneswar, and two Assistant Engineers from DD News-Delhi.

As per the directive from the Lokpal, the CBI has refrained from revealing the names of the officials or the specific nature of the allegations at this stage of the investigation. The Lokpal, which is tasked with investigating corruption complaints against public servants, had issued an order on December 20, 2024, instructing the CBI to investigate the matter while ensuring that both the identities of the complainant and the accused public servants remain confidential, in line with Lokpal rules.

The CBI FIR has been filed under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to criminal conspiracy, as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation is expected to look into the actions of the accused officials, with particular attention to any undue favors or financial irregularities that may have taken place during their tenure at Prasar Bharati and the MoIB.

This case underscores the continuing efforts by the Lokpal and the CBI to tackle corruption within India’s public institutions. While the exact details of the alleged wrongdoing are yet to be disclosed, the investigation is poised to shed light on the practices and conduct of senior officials in the media and broadcasting sector.

The CBI’s role in this investigation highlights the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability within public institutions, especially in sensitive departments like the MoIB and Prasar Bharati, which play a vital role in shaping public information and broadcasting policies. With the Lokpal’s oversight, the case is expected to follow due legal process, ensuring that the investigation remains impartial and thorough.