CBI arrests two postal service officials

New Delhi: Two senior postal department officials, including a Director, were arrested in Ahmedabad today by the CBI for allegedly exchanging demonetised currency notes to the tune of Rs 70 lakh in violation of norms. CBI sources said Director Manoj Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Posts Sanjay Akhade were arrested after it surfaced during a probe that old currency notes to the tune of over Rs 70 lakh was exchanged by them.

Agency Spokesperson R K Gaur said here today that a case of criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption has been registered against three postal officials and unknown others on a complaint from the Postal Department. "It was alleged that during inspection of Navrangpura HO Post Office, it was revealed that an amount of Rs 6.59 lakh (approx) was found exchanged unauthorised on November 9, 2016 (a non-functional day for public dealings in banks) as the currency notes of 100, 50, 20 and 10 denomination decreased to the tune of above amount as compared to the closing figures of November 8, 2016 (the day demonetisation was announced)," he said.

The FIR further alleged that there was contradiction in reporting of exchange and Withdrawn Old Series (WOS) notes, in the records of Navrangpura HO, SSPO's City Division and record of entry made in the excel sheet of the actual forms available in the branch, he said. "Searches were conducted at nine premises in and around Ahmedabad which led to recovery of incriminating documents. A cash of Rs one lakh (approx) from the residence and Rs 1.66 lakh (approx) from Office in new currency was recovered from the premises of Director, Postal Services," he said. Gaur said both the arrested accused were produced today before the Special Judge, CBI Court, Mirzapur, Ahmedabad.