CBI arrests ex-Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission chairman in bribery case

In a big crackdown on corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday apprehended Taman Singh Sonwani, the former chairman of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) in a bribery case, officials said.
Sonwani was allegedly involved in a bribery scandal, accepting Rs 45 lakh from Bajrang Power & Ispat Ltd director Shravan Kumar Goyal, owner of a prominent Raipur-based steel company. The bribe was purportedly aimed at guaranteeing the selection of Goyal’s son and daughter-in-law as deputy collectors, a senior administrative position.
The arrest of Sonwani and Goyal follows mounting allegations of irregularities in the selection process for various high-ranking government positions, including deputy collectors and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs).
According to the CBI, the bribe was channelled through Gramin Vikas Samiti, a committee allegedly linked to Sonwani’s family members, in two separate instalments of Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.
The scandal was initially flagged by the Chhattisgarh government, leading to the registration of an FIR against Sonwani and other involved parties by the CBI in July this year.
The state government had first raised concerns on February 16, prompting a thorough investigation to unravel the deep-rooted corruption within the selection process for coveted civil service positions.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges within India’s public selection system, where corruption undermines meritocracy and fairness.
The CBI’s decisive action is seen as part of a broader effort to restore integrity and transparency in governmental appointments. As the investigation progresses, it is expected to make further revelations about the extent of the malpractice within the CGPSC and potentially implicate additional individuals involved in the bribery case.
The arrests serve as a stern reminder of the zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and the commitment of investigative agencies to uphold justice and accountability in public office, the officials added.