CBI traps Central, State highways officials in city

After seizing the bribe money on the spot, the CBI conducted searches at eight locations in Chennai, Madurai, Dindigul and Erode, and seized Rs 25.99 lakh cash, 91 documents and four locker keys.

The arrested persons were identified as R Ellavarason, superintending engineer in the ministry, divisional engineer Murugaboopathi of State Highways department, Dindigul, and Ovu Reddy, the conduit. Also I Vetrivel, a contractor, has been listed as another accused, said a press statement.

According to the agency, Vetrivel was awarded the contract to shift utilities as part of a highway work. The CBI received information that Ellavarason, through Murugaboopathi and Ovu Reddy, demanded money from Vetrivel in connection with this contract. A case was registered under criminal conspiracy and Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI then received a tip-off that part of the bribe amount, Rs 2.76 lakh, was likely to be delivered Ellavarason at his office in Rajaji Bhavan, Chennai on Wednesday. The CBI then laid a trap, and its team nabbed the three when the officials were receiving money from the conduit.

The three were later placed under arrest. This led to a State-wide search operation at eight locations in Chennai, Madurai, Dindigul and Erode, from where money, documents and locker keys were seized, officials said.