The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested IPS officer Deepak Gahlawat in connection with an alleged ₹3 crore bribery case involving claims of influencing an ongoing CBI investigation against a Puducherry-based businessman.
The arrest marks the latest development in a probe that has already led to multiple arrests and cash seizures.
Deepak Gahlawat, a 2012 batch Haryana cadre IPS officer, is currently serving on Central deputation with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in Delhi. As part of the investigation, the CBI conducted searches at multiple premises linked to him and seized digital devices, hard disks, and documents.
The case follows the June arrest of Delhi Police Crime Branch Inspector Pradeep Singh and Rajkumar, who were accused of facilitating the payment of bribes in the same matter. The agency later arrested 4 more individuals and seized more than ₹1 crore during the investigation.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the CBI alleged that Pradeep Singh, in conspiracy with businessman N. Raja, his associate Rajkumar, and others, had been “facilitating the payment of illegal gratification” to obtain undue relief in CBI cases.
The investigation states that N. Raja, an accused in counterfeit drug cases re-registered by the CBI based on references from the Puducherry government, met Pradeep Singh along with Rajkumar on May 14, 2026, at Aerocity near Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The CBI suspects they were then escorted to Deepak Gahlawat’s office.
According to the FIR, “During the meeting, the said senior public servant allegedly assured N. Raja @ Valliappan @ Shri Rajasekhar that he could secure favourable relief in the CBI cases through his connections and influence within the CBI.”
The agency further alleged that 2 days later, N. Raja informed his wife that the officer had agreed to help in the CBI cases in exchange for a ₹3 crore bribe, with 50% of the amount demanded in advance.
The CBI said the businessman subsequently contacted a Chennai-based hawala operator to transfer ₹1 crore to Delhi, where the money was to be delivered to Pradeep Singh in Chandni Chowk on June 8. Based on the findings, the agency expanded its investigation, leading to the arrest of Deepak Gahlawat for his alleged role in the conspiracy.
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