Mumbai News: CBI Arrests Customs Superintendent For Accepting ₹10.20 Lakh Bribe For Cargo Clearance

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Superintendent of Customs, posted at Air Cargo Complex, Sahar, Mumbai for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10.20 lakh from a Customs House Agent (CHA) firm for facilitating clearance of consignments, agency officials said on Sunday.

The arrested officer has been identified as Krishan Kumar, Superintendent of Customs, posted at Air Cargo Complex, Sahar, Mumbai.

CBI Registers Case, Launches Probe

According to the agency sources, the instant case was registered by CBI against the said accused and other unknown public servants and private persons based on a complaint that the accused public servant was demanding bribes at the rate of Rs 10 per kilogram of imported cargo, both for himself and on behalf of his senior officers, to ensure smooth clearance of consignments.

Threats and Delay When Bribe Was Refused

"As per the complaint, despite refusal to pay the bribe, the accused persisted with the demand and issued threats. It was alleged that non-payment of the bribe led to the deliberate withholding of consignments. The complainant who did not want to pay the bribe then approached the CBI and complained in the matter," said a CBI official.

Recorded Evidence Corroborates Allegations

During verification conducted on multiple dates between 25.07.2025 and 01.08.2025 in the presence of independent witnesses, the demand of illegal gratification was corroborated through recorded conversations and other evidence. The accused was found to have demanded bribe for his senior officers and for himself against previously cleared consignments, for facilitating release of a currently held consignment and for smooth clearance of future consignments.

Investigation Continues to Identify Others Involved

"During trap proceedings conducted by CBI, the accused was caught red-handed on Saturday while accepting Rs 10.20 lakh as bribe. The accused has been produced before the court which has granted custody of the accused to the CBI till 06.08.2024," the official said.