CBI Court Sentences Former Kadapa Airport Official to Three Years of Rigorous Imprisonment in ₹50,000 Bribery Case
Kurnool, August 3, 2026:
A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, has convicted and sentenced Mukundagiri Rangachari Srinivasan, the former Assistant General Manager (Air Traffic Management) and Officiating Airport Director of Kadapa Airport, to three years of rigorous imprisonment in a bribery case. The court has also imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on the convicted former airport official.
The case dates back to 2015 and involves allegations that Srinivasan misused his official position to demand a bribe from a complainant for expediting the processing of pending bills and refraining from initiating proceedings to blacklist the complainant’s firm.
According to the CBI, the accused was caught red-handed during a trap operation while accepting ₹25,000 as the first instalment of the alleged bribe. Following an investigation and subsequent court proceedings, the case culminated in his conviction on August 3, 2026.
Former Airport Official Accused of Demanding a Bribe
The CBI registered the case on July 24, 2015, against Mukundagiri Rangachari Srinivasan, who was then serving as Assistant General Manager (Air Traffic Management) and Officiating Airport Director at Kadapa Airport in Andhra Pradesh.
According to the allegations investigated by the agency, the accused had demanded ₹50,000 from the complainant. The money was allegedly sought in exchange for processing the complainant’s pending bills at an early date and refraining from initiating action to blacklist the firm’s business.
The allegations raised concerns about the alleged misuse of official authority, as the complainant’s pending payments and the possibility of blacklisting were connected to the accused’s official responsibilities.
The CBI initiated an investigation after receiving the complaint and proceeded to verify the allegations before taking further action.
CBI Trap Operation Leads to Arrest
During the investigation, the CBI arranged a trap operation to catch the accused while accepting the alleged bribe.
According to the agency, Srinivasan was caught red-handed while accepting ₹25,000 from the complainant. The amount represented the first instalment of the alleged ₹50,000 bribe demand.
The trap operation formed a crucial part of the CBI’s case, providing evidence that was subsequently examined during the investigation and judicial proceedings.
The agency continued its investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged demand and acceptance of illegal gratification.
Chargesheet Filed in February 2016
After completing the investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet against Srinivasan on February 29, 2016, placing its findings before the competent court.
The case then proceeded through the judicial process, during which the court considered the evidence and material presented in connection with the bribery allegations.
The proceedings continued until the CBI court in Kurnool delivered its verdict on August 3, 2026.
Court Awards Three Years of Rigorous Imprisonment
After the trial, the CBI court convicted Mukundagiri Rangachari Srinivasan and sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of ₹50,000.
The verdict marks a significant development in a corruption case that began more than a decade ago. It also highlights the role of investigative agencies and the judiciary in addressing allegations involving the misuse of public office for personal gain.
Bribery involving the processing of official bills or threats of blacklisting can undermine fair business practices and weaken public confidence in government institutions. Public officials are expected to discharge their responsibilities transparently and in accordance with established rules, without demanding illegal payments.
The conviction serves as a reminder that allegations of corruption involving public servants can be pursued through investigation and judicial proceedings, regardless of the time taken to reach a verdict.
News Source: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – Official Press Release
