The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Chintan Raghuvanshi, a Deputy Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), in a high-profile bribery case involving a businessman from Odisha. Raghuvanshi, a 2013 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer from the Customs and Indirect Taxes cadre, was apprehended while allegedly accepting ₹20 lakh as part of a larger ₹2 crore bribe demand.
Sources indicate that the CBI laid a trap following a formal complaint by Bhubaneswar-based entrepreneur Ratikanta Rout, who operates a stone mining business in Dhenkanal. According to the FIR, Rout was summoned by the ED in March 2025 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
During questioning, Raghuvanshi allegedly advised Rout to coordinate with an intermediary named Bhaghti to resolve the case. Bhaghti is said to have communicated both over FaceTime and in person, allegedly conveying that Raghuvanshi initially demanded ₹5 crore to ensure Rout’s arrest would be avoided and his hospital property wouldn’t be seized.
Following negotiations, the demand was reportedly reduced to ₹2 crore. The ₹20 lakh paid was meant as the first instalment. Investigators also suspect the bribe money was routed through Raghuvanshi’s brother, who may now be under scrutiny as the investigation expands.
The case has triggered significant concern about internal corruption within federal investigative agencies. The CBI is continuing its probe into the broader network involved in the bribery chain.
