CBI Arrests Four in Bribery Case Involving Explosive Manufacturing License
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended four individuals, including Priyadarshan Dinkar Deshpande from Nagpur and Devi Singh Kachhawaha, the director of Super Shivshakti Chemical in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district. This arrest follows the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the CBI. Among those detained were also two Deputy Chief Controllers of Explosive associated with the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), a governmental body overseeing hazardous substances’ safety protocols.
According to the FIR, Deshpande, acting as an intermediary, purportedly colluded to secure business for Kachhawaha’s firm by offering bribes to PESO officials. Allegedly, the company sought to increase its electronic detonator manufacturing capacity to 75% by March 2024, and the accused facilitated amendments to its existing license for this purpose. The CBI’s operation resulted in the arrest of Deshpande and Kachhawaha while allegedly receiving ₹10 lakh in cash at a typing shop near the PESO office in Seminary Hills. Subsequent investigations led to the seizure of ₹1.25 crore from Deshpande’s residence and ₹90 lakh from the office of one of the accused PESO officials. The accused individuals are slated to appear before a court on Thursday evening, facing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI is conducting further inquiries under the guidance of Deputy Inspector General Salim Khan.
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