The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended Anurag Danayak, the Managing Director of Bengaluru-based Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Limited (KAPL), in Noida for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh. The arrest, part of a meticulously planned trap operation, comes amidst accusations that Danayak demanded a total of ₹15 lakh for official favors.
According to CBI officials, Danayak was caught red-handed while accepting the initial ₹5 lakh payment. This amount was reportedly a partial fulfillment of a larger bribe sought from a Bhopal-based firm. This firm, an authorized service agent for KAPL, is involved in supplying medicines to government institutions across Madhya Pradesh.
Allegations of Official Favoritism
The CBI's investigation indicates that the bribe was demanded to approve the Bhopal firm's Service Agent Agreement and to clear its application for assigning additional government institutions. Both these approvals were reportedly pending renewal for the current financial year. Furthermore, it is alleged that Danayak sought a share of the commission earned by the firm from its medicine sales throughout the year.
Searches and Significant Seizures
Following Danayak's arrest, the CBI conducted extensive searches at his residential and office premises across Bengaluru, Noida, and Jabalpur. These searches yielded significant findings, including approximately ₹75 lakh in cash and foreign currency valued at ₹4 lakh, seized from his Noida residence and Bengaluru office chamber. Investigators also recovered 697 grams of gold jewelry and coins, estimated to be worth around ₹86 lakh, along with a property document pertaining to a residential flat owned by the accused.
The CBI has stated that the investigation into the matter is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as the probe progresses.