Ranchi/Bilaspur, April 28: In a major development in the ongoing crackdown on corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has seized around ₹70 lakh in cash and 1 kilogram of gold from multiple locations linked to Railway Chief Engineer Vishal Anand and his brother.
The CBI’s Delhi team had been closely monitoring Vishal Anand, Chief Engineer of South East Central Railway, following credible information about his involvement in a bribery case. Their surveillance revealed a planned meeting between Anand and representatives from Jharjharia Construction Company, a contractor involved in railway infrastructure projects, to negotiate a bribe linked to the construction of railway overbridges and underpasses.
According to sources, a bribe of ₹32 lakh was agreed upon during the meeting. Following this, the construction company instructed its associates to deliver the bribe to Ranchi, while Vishal Anand allegedly coordinated with his brother, Kunal, to receive the money.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence gathered, the CBI conducted coordinated raids on April 25. In Ranchi, they arrested Kunal Anand red-handed while receiving ₹32 lakh. Simultaneously, the CBI detained Manoj Pathak and Sushil Jhajharia for offering a bribe.
In Bilaspur, another CBI team apprehended Chief Engineer Vishal Anand. Subsequent raids across Ranchi, Bilaspur, and Delhi led to significant recoveries: ₹20 lakh in cash and 1 kilogram of gold from Kunal’s residence in Ranchi, and around ₹18 lakh from Vishal Anand’s Bilaspur home.
This case highlights the persistent challenges Indian railways face in tackling corruption at senior levels. With vast infrastructure investments underway, authorities have been tightening their oversight, but cases like this underline the need for stricter compliance and transparency mechanisms.
The CBI’s decisive action sends a strong message against graft, especially within vital public service sectors such as the Railways. Further investigations are ongoing to uncover deeper links and trace additional assets potentially tied to illicit activities.