Customs Corruption Exposed: Superintendent Accused of Extortion Racket

-> Justice is now underway as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) takes decisive action against alleged corruption within the ranks of the Customs department. A complaint lodged by a local businessman engaged in the supply of chickens across the Kakrahwa Border and surrounding areas has brought to light a disturbing pattern of extortion and abuse of power.

->According to the complainant, whose identity has been withheld, Pramod Tiwari, the Superintendent of Customs stationed at the Kakrahwa Border, and his staff have been subjecting the businessman's vehicles to unnecessary harassment and detainment. The motive behind this harassment, as alleged, was to coerce the businessman into paying a monthly bribe of Rs. 5,000 per vehicle to ensure the smooth functioning of his business operations.

->The complainant, who operates three vehicles – one owned and two hired – claimed that he had been threatened with the stoppage of his vehicles if he failed to comply with the bribe demands. Fearing further repercussions and determined to uphold ethical business practices, the businessman mustered the courage to approach the CBI, seeking intervention and justice.

->Upon receiving the complaint, the CBI initiated discreet inquiries to verify the allegations. The preliminary investigations substantiated the claims of undue advantage being demanded by Pramod Tiwari, the Superintendent of Customs at the Kakrahwa Border. Consequently, the CBI registered an FIR against Tiwari under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), setting the stage for a thorough investigation into the alleged extortion racket.

->The case has been entrusted to K.K. Mishra, an Inspector with the CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch in Lucknow, who will spearhead the investigation. This development underscores the CBI's commitment to addressing corruption within government agencies and ensuring accountability for those who abuse their positions of power for personal gain.

FAQs

Q1.What was the nature of the alleged extortion racket?

A1. Pramod Tiwari, the Superintendent of Customs at the Kakrahwa Border, allegedly demanded a monthly bribe of Rs. 5,000 per vehicle from a local businessman engaged in the supply of chickens to ensure the smooth functioning of his business operations.

Q2.How did the CBI become involved in the case?

A2.The CBI registered an FIR against Tiwari after receiving a complaint from the businessman and conducting discreet inquiries that substantiated the allegations of undue advantage being demanded.

Q3. Under what legal provision was the FIR registered against Tiwari?

A3. The FIR was registered against Pramod Tiwari under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018).

Q4.Who will be leading the investigation into the alleged extortion racket

A4.The investigation has been entrusted to K.K. Mishra, an Inspector with the CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch in Lucknow.

Q5.What implications does this case have for the Customs department and the government?

A5.This case highlights the need for stringent measures to address corruption within government agencies and ensure accountability for those who abuse their positions of power for personal gain. It underscores the CBI's commitment to upholding integrity and maintaining public trust in the system.