CBI arrests trio for accepting Rs 50,000 bribe

CBI has arrested three persons, working as customs house agents, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 for clearing imported goods. Sachin Dhasal, Ashwin Jagtap and Jalinder Dhamale alias Jaikumar had allegedly demanded the bribe on behalf of a Superintendent of Customs, Indeve Customs freight station, Somantane village of Raigad district, CBI officials said. The trio were working as customs house agents of a Mumbai -based private company. "The complainant, a proprietor of Mumbai-based private firm involved in imports of general items, has alleged that the accused demanded the bribe from him for managing customs officers in clearing goods. "CBI laid a trap and the accused was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 50,000 from the complainant," says a press release issued today. Searches were conducted at five residential premises of the accused persons, including the suspected Customs officer. During searches, Rs 97 lakh (approx) in cash; gold jewellery weighing 237 gms and incriminating documents along with investments made in purchase of three flats at Mumbai were recovered from the residence of the Superintendent of Customs, the release says. The trio were produced before a court at Alibag which remanded them in CBI custody till February 11. Further investigation is continuing, it says.