SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, March 26: A CBI anti-corruption team was attacked by goons associated with Jharkhand Gramin Bank’s recovery agent, Dhanraj Choudhary, in Bokaro on Wednesday. The officials were in the Kalibari area under the Harla police station when they arrested Choudhary for allegedly demanding a bribe in the name of the bank manager.
Three CBI officials sustained injuries in the attack and were treated at Bokaro General Hospital, operated by SAIL.
Background of the Case
The incident stems from a complaint lodged by a local villager who had taken a loan from Jharkhand Gramin Bank to purchase a tractor. When he was unable to pay his loan installments on time, recovery agent Dhanraj Choudhary seized the tractor. However, even after the villager repaid the full loan amount, Choudhary allegedly refused to return the tractor and instead demanded a bribe to release it.
Also Read: Jharkhand CM’s advice to Anganwadi workers: Use smartphones safely
Frustrated by the lack of action from local police, the villager took his complaint to the CBI’s Dhanbad unit, which launched an investigation. Acting on the complaint, the CBI team arrived in Bokaro, arrested Choudhary, and began questioning him inside their official vehicle.
Attack on CBI Officials
As the interrogation began, Choudhary’s associates launched a violent attack on the CBI officials, attempting to free him. However, the CBI team successfully overpowered them and maintained custody of the accused.
Following the attack, the CBI officials registered an FIR at the Harla police station against Dhanraj Choudhary and his goons.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are now investigating whether Choudhary was acting alone or if more individuals, possibly even bank officials, were involved in the bribery scheme. This incident raises serious concerns about corruption in loan recovery practices and the security of law enforcement officials during such operations.