An enforcement officer with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) who secured a prestigious rank in the UPSC civil services examination has been arrested by federal investigators in Chandigarh. Shubham Tyagi, who was posted at the Sector-17 regional headquarters of the EPFO, was caught red-handed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) while accepting a bribe of Rs 2.50 lakh. This action came after a trap was set by the investigative agency following a complaint that Tyagi had demanded a total of Rs 4 lakh to resolve an ongoing case.
The PF Case and Alleged Threats
The matter began when a case was officially registered on July 22. The complainant, a long-time contractor operating in Punjab, was facing allegations regarding the non-deposition of provident fund contributions for 30 of his employees. This inquiry was conducted under Section 7A of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, with Tyagi assigned as the investigating enforcement officer. Even though the contractor had submitted all the necessary and required documentation to the department, Tyagi reportedly threatened him with an adverse inquiry report and recommended a massive financial penalty if he did not pay.
The Phone Call and Trap Operation
Following these threats, Tyagi contacted the contractor over the telephone on July 21, instructing him to come for a meeting at the EPFO regional office in Sector-17, Chandigarh. During this encounter, Tyagi allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 4 lakh to close the case with only a minimal penalty. The contractor then approached the CBI, leading to a trap being prepared. On July 22, the CBI caught Tyagi red-handed as he demanded and accepted a partial bribe payment of Rs 2.50 lakh.
Judicial Custody and Background
After his arrest, Tyagi was presented before a competent court in Chandigarh, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. CBI teams conducted searches at his office, residence, and other locations, recovering several crucial files and documents. The agency has booked him under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Tyagi had previously cleared the 2023 UPSC exam with an All India Rank of 76. He completed his schooling and higher studies in Bareilly. After being allocated the Punjab cadre, he was posted in Patiala, with his reporting station being the regional headquarters in Chandigarh.
