Fri Jan 09 11:25:54 UTC 2026: # CBI Arrests Central Power Research Institute Director in Bribery Case

The Story:
On January 9, 2026, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Rajaram Mohanrao Chennu, the joint director of the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) in Bengaluru, on charges of accepting a ₹9.5 lakh bribe. The arrest followed an investigation into allegations that Chennu was receiving bribes from the Sudhir Group of Companies in exchange for favorable test reports on electrical equipment. During searches of Chennu’s residence, the CBI seized a substantial amount of cash, totaling over ₹3.59 crore, along with foreign currency valued at over ₹4 lakh.

The CBI also arrested Atul Khanna, a director of the Sudhir Group of Companies, in connection with the bribery scheme. The arrests took place during a sting operation where Chennu was caught receiving the bribe money from Khanna. The investigation is ongoing, with further searches being conducted.

Key Points:

  • Date: January 9, 2026.
  • Arrested: Rajaram Mohanrao Chennu, Joint Director of CPRI, and Atul Khanna, Director of Sudhir Group of Companies.
  • Charge: Bribery, accepting ₹9.5 lakh for favorable test reports.
  • Cash Seized: Over ₹3.59 crore in Indian currency and over ₹4 lakh in foreign currency.
  • Company Involved: Sudhir Group of Companies.

Critical Analysis:
The arrest of the CPRI joint director highlights the ongoing issue of corruption within government institutions in India. The scale of the cash and foreign currency seized suggests a potentially widespread and long-term pattern of corrupt practices. This case also underscores the CBI’s active role in investigating and prosecuting such offenses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Corruption remains a significant challenge within Indian government institutions.
  • The CBI is actively pursuing corruption cases, signaling a commitment to accountability.
  • The involvement of a private company suggests potential systemic issues in regulatory compliance and ethical business practices.

Impact Analysis:

This case may lead to increased scrutiny of the CPRI and its testing procedures, potentially prompting reforms to prevent future corruption. It could also trigger investigations into other officials and companies involved in similar practices. The high-profile nature of the arrest can serve as a deterrent to others contemplating corrupt activities.

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