CBI Arrests NHAI Project Director in Telangana in Rs.60,000 Bribe Case
The CBI registered the instant case on Tuesday against the Project Director and a private person on allegations that the accused demanded an undue advantage of Rs.1 lakh for not causing any hindrance for the operation of complainant’s restaurant
Hyderabad: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday arrested Project Implementation Unit (PIU) project director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Golla Durga Prasad and Kings Hotel Gudur Toll Plaza owner Venu Yadav for allegedly collecting a Rs 60,000 bribe in return for official favours.
According to the CBI, the case originated from a complaint by one Vijay Bhasker, who runs Taaza Kitchen near Gudur Toll Plaza on the Warangal Highway. Bhasker had established the restaurant in 2024 after leasing the land and securing permission from the local gram panchayat. The outlet is situated along the service road.
Bhasker alleged that NHAI officials repeatedly dug pits in front of his restaurant, blocking vehicle access. Each time, he refilled the pits to allow smooth entry, only for the officials to dig them again. Recently, after the NHAI issued notices to all highway-side hotels, Yadav approached Bhasker and offered to arrange a meeting with project director Durga Prasad. He allegedly demanded `1 lakh as a bribe to “settle the issue.”
On August 8, Rakesh, an aide of Durga Prasad, called Bhasker and asked him to meet the officer. During the meeting, Prasad allegedly threatened to demolish the restaurant and directed him to speak further with Yadav. Yadav reiterated the demand for `1 lakh, claiming that other hotel owners would also be informed to pay bribes.
Refusing to pay, Bhasker lodged a complaint with the CBI. Acting on his information, the agency tracked calls between the complainant, Durga Prasad and Yadav. Subsequently, Prasad instructed Bhasker to hand over `60,000 to Yadav, saying he would collect it en route to Hyderabad.
Based on the evidence, CBI officials laid a trap, arrested both accused, and produced them before the court for judicial remand.
