CBI Arrests DGMS Deputy Director and Two Others in ₹2 Lakh Bribery Case Linked to Fatal Mining Accident
Hyderabad, August 18, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three individuals, including a Deputy Director (Mining) of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Hyderabad, in connection with an alleged bribery case involving a fatal mining accident in Andhra Pradesh. The other two arrested individuals include a consultant allegedly acting as a middleman and a representative of a private mining establishment.
According to the CBI, the arrests were made on August 17, 2026, following an investigation into allegations that a bribe was demanded and accepted to secure a favourable enquiry report concerning a fatal accident at a mining quarry in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh.
Bribe Allegedly Demanded for a Favourable Accident Report
The case relates to a fatal accident that reportedly occurred on June 25, 2026, at a mining quarry in Prakasam district. Following the incident, representatives of the concerned private mining establishment allegedly approached the Deputy Director (Mining), DGMS, Hyderabad-III Region, South Central Zone, through a consultant who was acting as a middleman.
According to the allegations, the purpose of the approach was to obtain a favourable enquiry report concerning the accident, reportedly with the intention of preventing the owners of the mining establishment from being implicated in the matter.
The CBI further alleged that the middleman had previously paid ₹1 lakh to the Deputy Director (Mining) as part of the alleged illegal payment in exchange for a favourable report. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding this earlier payment and the alleged arrangement between the officials and representatives of the private mining establishment.
₹2 Lakh Bribe Allegedly Arranged for Payment
As the alleged arrangement progressed, a further amount of ₹2 lakh was reportedly arranged for payment to the Deputy Director (Mining). According to the CBI, the money was scheduled to be delivered at Ongole on August 17, 2026.
The agency stated that the alleged payment was intended to secure a favourable enquiry report in the fatal mining accident case. It was also allegedly connected with quarterly bribe payments relating to the private mining establishment and other mines.
The CBI registered a case on August 17, 2026, against the Deputy Director (Mining), the consultant or middleman, representatives of the private mining establishment, and other unidentified public servants and private individuals in connection with the alleged demand and acceptance of bribes.
CBI Conducts Trap Operation and Recovers ₹2 Lakh
Following the registration of the case, the CBI carried out a trap operation on August 17, 2026, to catch the accused while the alleged bribe was being paid.
During the operation, the Deputy Director (Mining) was reportedly caught red-handed while accepting ₹2 lakh from the consultant or middleman. A representative of the private mining establishment was also present during the transaction, according to the agency.
The CBI confirmed that the entire alleged bribe amount of ₹2 lakh was recovered during the trap proceedings. The operation led to the arrest of all three accused persons in connection with the case.
The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation, which concerns alleged corruption linked to the handling of an enquiry into a fatal workplace incident in the mining sector.
Searches Conducted at Multiple Locations
Following the arrests, the CBI initiated searches at premises associated with the accused in Ongole, Kadapa and Hyderabad. The searches are part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged bribery arrangement and are intended to help the agency gather further evidence.
Investigators are examining the possible involvement of other individuals and public servants in the alleged arrangement. The agency is also looking into the circumstances surrounding the reported earlier payment and the alleged quarterly bribe payments connected with the mining establishment and other mines.
The case raises serious concerns about allegations of corruption in matters involving mine safety investigations, particularly when such enquiries concern fatal accidents and accountability for workplace safety.
Accused to Be Produced Before the Court
According to the CBI, the three arrested individuals—the Deputy Director (Mining), the representative of the private mining establishment and the consultant or middleman—were scheduled to be produced before the competent court at Vijayawada on August 18, 2026.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the CBI is continuing to examine the evidence collected during the trap operation and searches. Further details may emerge as investigators establish the full extent of the alleged bribery arrangement and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in official investigations, especially those concerning fatal accidents and compliance with mining safety regulations.
News Source: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – Official Press Release
