New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS) An official of the central environment and forests ministry was arrested while receiving a bribe of Rs.7 lakh for giving clearance to a mining project, the CBI said Thursday.

The accused, identified as Neeraj Kumar, 45, a deputy director in the ministry, was arrested from south Delhi's Mehrauli area Wednesday while taking the bribe from an agent named Chandan, a resident of Bhubaneswar, said a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer.

The agent was also arrested.

"On a tip-off, Neeraj Kumar was arrested red-handed while taking the bribe in a car. During his interrogation and searches at his four different flats in Haryana - two in Gurgaon, one in Rohtak and one in Sonipat, Rs. 1 crore in cash was recovered," said the officer.

According to the official, Neeraj Kumar used to take bribes for arranging environmental clearances for mining projects.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow Taaza News on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)

Flag Bookmark Tweet