Lucknow Shock: CBI Nabs Two ED Officials in Rs 5 Lakh Bribe Trap
Two Enforcement Directorate officials, including a Head Constable, were arrested by the CBI in Lucknow for allegedly demanding a Rs 5 lakh bribe.
In a stunning turn of events, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Lucknow for their alleged involvement in a bribery scandal. The crackdown saw the apprehension of an Enforcement Officer and a Head Constable, sending shockwaves through the regional administrative circles.
The Faces Behind the Scandal
The CBI has identified the two accused as Deepak Kumar, serving as an Enforcement Officer, and Manoj Dwivedi, a Head Constable. Both were posted at the ED’s Lucknow Zone office. While Dwivedi was on deputation to the ED, he is alleged to have been the primary facilitator in the bribery operation.
The Trap: How the Operation Unfolded
The case began to unravel on October 23, 2026, when a formal complaint was lodged with the CBI. The complainant alleged that the Head Constable had demanded a significant sum of money from the complainant's father.
The demand was linked to an ongoing ED case where the father had previously received two summons in August and September 2026. Seeking to avoid the legal heat and obtain "favours" in the proceedings, the father became the target of the officials' greed.
Caught Red-Handed
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the CBI orchestrated a meticulous trap. The operation culminated in the arrest of Manoj Dwivedi, who was allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 5 lakh. According to investigators, the money was being collected by the Head Constable on behalf of Enforcement Officer Deepak Kumar.
Ongoing Investigations
Both officials have been taken into custody as the CBI delves deeper into the matter to determine if this was an isolated incident or part of a larger pattern of corruption within the zonal office. Further investigations are currently underway to uncover any other beneficiaries or accomplices.