CBI Uncovers Massive Bribery Scheme Involving Central Power Research Institute Director

CBI Arrests Joint Director for Alleged Corruption

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained Rajaram Mohanrao Chennu, a Joint Director at the Central Power Research Institute in Bengaluru, in connection with a bribery scandal involving Rs 9.5 lakh, according to officials.

During a raid at his home, investigators uncovered a staggering amount of cash totaling over Rs 3.59 crore, along with various foreign currencies such as US Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars, Singapore Dollars, Indonesian Rupiah, Malaysian Ringgit, Euros, Yuan (Renmin), Swedish Krona, and UAE Dirhams, valued at over Rs 4 lakh.

Chennu is accused of engaging in corrupt practices by accepting bribes to provide favorable test results for electrical equipment manufactured by a private firm, Sudhir Group of Companies.

Additionally, Atul Khanna, the director of the company, was also arrested in relation to the bribery allegations.

According to a CBI spokesperson, following the filing of the FIR, the agency set up a sting operation that led to the capture of Chennu and an executive from the private company while they were exchanging the bribe amount of Rs 9.5 lakh on January 9, 2026, in Bengaluru.

The ongoing searches have so far resulted in the recovery of approximately Rs 3.76 crore in cash, including foreign currency, with investigations still underway.