In a significant legal development, a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court has granted bail to Saurabh Prasad, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Waltair Division under East Coast Railways. Prasad was arrested in November 2024 for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs.25 lakh from a contractor in Mumbai to expedite bill clearances and reduce penalties.
Background of the Case
Saurabh Prasad, a 1991-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), was apprehended by the CBI on November 16, 2024, in Mumbai. The arrest occurred at a hotel where Prasad was allegedly caught red-handed accepting the bribe from Sanil Rathod, proprietor of Mumbai-based D N Marketing. The bribe was purportedly in exchange for reducing penalties imposed on Rathod’s firm for underperformance in contracts and facilitating the clearance of pending bills amounting to ₹3.17 crore.
Details of the Allegations
Investigations revealed that Hindustan Fiber Glass Works Pvt. Ltd., the contractor’s firm, faced significant penalties due to delays in project execution. Despite these penalties, the company sought the clearance of its pending bills. Allegedly, Prasad intervened to reduce the penalties and expedite the payment process in return for the illicit payment.
The CBI’s operation also led to the arrest of two other individuals: Sunil Rathod and Anand Bhagat, proprietors of firms in Mumbai and Pune, respectively. These individuals were implicated for their roles in facilitating the bribe and acting as intermediaries in the transaction.
Bail Proceedings
During the bail hearing, the defense argued that Prasad had been suspended from his duties and that key witnesses’ statements had already been recorded, minimizing the risk of evidence tampering. The court acknowledged these points, noting that the accused’s suspension and the completion of significant investigative procedures reduced the potential for interference with the ongoing investigation.
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The presiding judge observed that the alleged offense carries a maximum imprisonment term of seven years. Given the nature of the allegations and the severity of the potential punishment, the court concluded that bail was appropriate. Consequently, Prasad was granted bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs.1 lakh.
Implications and Observations
This case underscores the critical importance of integrity and transparency within public service sectors, especially in roles involving significant financial transactions and public trust. The allegations against a high-ranking railway official highlight vulnerabilities in the system that can be exploited for personal gain.
The court’s decision to grant bail, while based on legal considerations, does not exonerate the accused but ensures adherence to due process. It also serves as a reminder of the necessity for robust checks and balances within public institutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The granting of bail to Saurabh Prasad marks a pivotal moment in this high-profile bribery case. As the legal proceedings continue, the case brings to light the ongoing challenges in combating corruption within public services. It emphasizes the need for continued vigilance, systemic reforms, and a steadfast commitment to upholding ethical standards to maintain public confidence in governmental institutions.
