Corruption
Inspector’s ‘Excellence in Investigation’ Medal Withdrawn After Being Arrested by CBI for Corruption

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has revoked the “Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation” awarded to a now-dismissed CBI inspector, Rahul Raj, following his arrest for accepting a Rs 10 lakh bribe. The gazette notification issued on Tuesday stated the medal, awarded in 2023, has been forfeited under Rule-9 of the governing rules.
Rahul Raj, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inspector, was arrested on May 18, 2024, for accepting a bribe from Malay College of Nursing chairman Anil Bhaskaran and his wife, Suma Anil. The bribe was allegedly given in exchange for favorable inspection reports. Raj was dismissed from service shortly after his arrest.
The CBI’s internal vigilance mechanism uncovered a conspiracy involving Raj, three other CBI officials, and state officials, including nursing college authorities and patwaris in Madhya Pradesh. During search operations, the federal agency recovered Rs 2.33 crore in cash, four gold bars, 36 digital devices, and over 150 incriminating documents from the accused.
Investigations revealed that Raj and his team issued favorable inspection reports in return for bribes, which were funneled through intermediaries. The CBI registered a case against 23 individuals, including Raj, other CBI officials, and middlemen. Raj was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 10 lakh and was immediately arrested.
The MHA accepted the CBI’s recommendation to revoke Raj’s medal, citing his involvement in corrupt practices. An official noted, “The medal has been withdrawn as the officer’s actions were a violation of the trust and integrity expected of his position. He was caught in the act, arrested, and subsequently dismissed from service.”
This case marks a significant crackdown on corruption within the investigative agency, reaffirming the government’s commitment to accountability and ethical governance.