The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Maisnam Riten Kumar Singh, Executive Director and Regional Officer of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Guwahati, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh from a private individual in connection with a highway project in Assam.

According to a  , the arrest followed a trap laid on October 14, after the agency received source-based information regarding the alleged demand for illegal gratification. Singh was reportedly caught red-handed while accepting the money from a representative of a private company linked to the four-laning project of National Highway-37 between Demow and Moran Bypass.

The bribe was allegedly demanded to facilitate the issuance of a favourable extension of time (EOT) and a completion certificate for the project.

Along with Singh, the agency also arrested a private person and later detained Binod Kumar Jain, a representative of M/s Mohan Lal Jain, Kolkata, for his suspected involvement in the case.

Following the arrests, CBI teams conducted searches at seven office and residential premises across multiple cities. The operation led to the recovery of unaccounted cash amounting to ₹2.62 crore from the accused’s residence.

Preliminary investigations have further revealed the acquisition of nine landed properties and 20 apartments in various parts of the country, allegedly in the names of Singh and his family members. Documents related to the purchase of high-end vehicles have also been seized, the agency said.

Verification of the accused officer’s movable and immovable assets is currently underway.

Both accused are scheduled to be produced before the Court of Special Judge, CBI Cases, Guwahati, later today.

News source: Nagaland Tribune