CBI arrests MS of CPCC in bribery case

New Delhi, Jul 18 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Member-Secretary of Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC), Birendra Choudhary, in connection with a bribery case. "Birendra Choudhary, Member Secretary (an Indian Forest Service officer) of CPCC was apprehended in a bribery case of Rs 1-lakh after a case was registered yesterday against him under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act on a complaint from proprietor of private firm," the probe Agency said here today. The CBI said the complainant alleged that a show cause notice was issued by Choudhury regarding revoking of consent issued to the complainant earlier on December 6, 2016. After he received the notice, the complainant met the Member-Secretary several times to explain his version but he did not hear him properly. It was also alleged that the complainant along with three other persons, with similar issue, met Choudhury and during the meeting, the public servant demanded bribe of Rs 50,000 each for not taking any adverse action. However, subsequently, the alleged bribe amount was reduced to Rs 25,000 each -- Rs 1-lakh from four businessmen including the complainant, the probe Agency stated. The CBI said a trap was laid and the accused was caught red handed while accepting bribe of Rs 1-lakh. Search was also conducted at the residence of accused in Chandigarh which led to recovery of cash of around Rs 2-lakh and certain documents pertaining to properties and bank accounts. The arrested accused is being produced today in the Court of Special Judge, CBI Cases, Chandigarh. UNI