ED books former RSP director for corruption

BHUBANESWAR: The enforcement directorate (ED) on Monday registered a case of money laundering against Bhuneshwar Prasad Verma, a former executive director (works) of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). Verma, currently posted in Durgapur, had been arrested by the CBI in January for alleged corruption during his tenure with the RSP.

"We took up the case suo motu as Verma is a public servant. He will be summoned for interrogation. Our team will also chase the money trail and trace his movable and immovable assets," an ED officer told TOI.

The ED said it would get in touch with the CBI regarding the exact charges against Verma.

The CBI said Verma's role (while serving in the RSP) in granting work orders to different private companies was being probed. "We came to know that he did not enjoy a good reputation within the RSP. We suspect he was involved in a series of scams. The case for which he was arrested in January could be the tip of the iceberg," a CBI officer said.

Verma was arrested for allegedly accepting Rs 1 lakh and a costly watch as bribe from a private company. The CBI said he had asked the company to pay him as he had gone 'out of his way' to give it work orders worth crores.