CBI Raids Expose FSSAI Bribery Scheme: Rs. 1.8 Crore Cash Recovered

Mumbai, 7th May 2024: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made significant discoveries during its ongoing investigation into a bribery case involving a senior manager of a Thane-based private company and an Assistant Director (AD) of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Regional Office, Mumbai.

In a recent development, CBI officials conducted further search operations at the premises of the accused senior manager, leading to the recovery of approximately Rs. 1,42,70,000 in cash, two gold biscuits, a laptop, and various other incriminating documents. These findings add to the evidence collected thus far in the case.

The case dates back to 4th May 2024 when the CBI registered a case against several accused individuals, including the Assistant Director (Technical) of FSSAI, Mumbai, and two private individuals—a director and a senior manager of the Thane-based private company. Allegations surfaced that the Assistant Director, in collusion with several intermediaries, engaged in illegal and corrupt practices by soliciting and accepting bribes from Food Business Operators and other parties. These bribes were purportedly exchanged for favorable treatment in the discharge of official duties.

According to reports, the Assistant Director agreed to accept a bribe from the accused senior manager of the private company, acting as a proxy for the company’s director, in exchange for expediting the clearance of pending bills. The CBI subsequently set a trap and apprehended the Assistant Director red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 1,20,000 from the senior manager and another representative of the private company. All three individuals involved in the illicit exchange of money were promptly arrested, followed by the apprehension of the director of the private company.

Earlier search operations yielded approximately Rs. 37.3 lakh in cash, about 45 grams of gold, and documents related to various immovable properties and other incriminating evidence. With the recent recovery, the total cash seized amounts to approximately Rs. 1.8 crore, along with gold and gold biscuits, as a result of various searches conducted by the CBI following the trap.

The investigation into this case remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and pursue leads in order to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of public service.