CBI probe recommended against SRMU leaders on charges of fund fraud

Sources said the recommendation was made after a few employees lodged a complaint with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to direct the Ministry of Railways to initiate action against the union leaders.

It has been alleged that the duo had misappropriated over Rs 1,500 crore from the society for the past 20 years under various heads.

Sources said the railway employees from Tiruchy led by L Arputha Raj, former director of the Railway society, lodged a complaint with the PMO and sought a CBI enquiry into the issue. Following this, Ajit Kumar, a deputy secretary in PMO, forwarded the complaint to the Directorate of Vigilance, Railway Board on June 13.

The Deputy Director of Vigilance RD Ram then recommended an investigation by CBI considering the amount was significant and the accused are top office bearers of the Railway union, sources added.

Dakshin Railway Employees Union (DREU) deputy general secretary D Manoharan told DT Next that the union leaders had appointed over 200 employees in the Railway society despite no vacancies and reportedly collected around Rs 40 crore as bribe. “There are over 1,500 employees working in the society in Chennai beyond the requirement. The CBI should immediately commence an enquiry.”