CBI registers case against customs officials for corruption at RGIA

HYDERABAD: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case against three individuals, including two former Superintendents and one Inspector of the Customs Department at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad.

The case, registered on June 28, involves allegations of conspiracy and corruption. The accused, identified as Yerukula Srinivasu (then Superintendent of Customs), Pankaj Gautam (Inspector of Customs), and Peri Chakrapani (Superintendent of Customs), allegedly conspired to obtain foreign currencies as an undue advantage from international passengers.

The allegations state that on March 16, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at RGIA intercepted two individuals involved in exchanging foreign currency equivalent to Rs 2,93,425 with Indian currency. The private individuals, residents of Bahadurpura, Hyderabad, were found carrying Indian currency amounting to Rs 4,04,380.

It is further alleged that the three accused customs officials gave the foreign currencies in exchange for not imposing or imposing lesser customs duties on international passengers, a practice reportedly followed regularly by the accused.

CBI conducted searches at four locations, including three in Hyderabad and one in Delhi, leading to the recovery of incriminating documents. The investigation is ongoing.