The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two officials of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) — Revenue Recovery Officer (RRO) K. Sai Kumar and Social Security Officer (SSO) A. Ravi Kumar — after they were allegedly caught demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹50,000 from a complainant. The arrests were made on Tuesday following a trap operation.

According to the CBI, a formal case was registered on November 25, 2025, after the complainant reported that the ESIC officials demanded illegal gratification to process matters related to his firm. The arrests mark yet another major action by the agency against corruption in public service offices.

Complainant started firm for FCI tenders

The complainant had reportedly launched a proprietorship firm in 2020 with the objective of submitting bids for tenders issued by the Food Corporation of India (FCI). As part of mandatory compliance, he had registered the firm with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation.

According to the complaint, both ESIC officials insisted on a bribe to clear certain procedures and documentation related to the firm’s registration and compliance status. The demand was allegedly made repeatedly, prompting the complainant to approach the CBI.

CBI officials said the complainant was left with no choice but to file a formal report after he received persistent pressure from the accused officers. A trap was subsequently laid based on the intelligence gathered.

CBI traps officials while accepting bribe

Acting on the complaint, the CBI set up a surveillance and trap operation. During this, both Sai Kumar and Ravi Kumar were allegedly caught red-handed while accepting the bribe amount of ₹50,000.

The CBI confirmed that it seized incriminating material and recovered the tainted money from the possession of the accused officers during the operation.

Following the arrests, searches were conducted at their residences and offices in Vijayawada. Officials indicated that documents, digital devices, and communication records were seized and will be examined to determine whether the duo were involved in a wider corruption network.

ESIC under scrutiny for corruption complaints

The ESIC, a social welfare organisation responsible for providing health insurance and social security to workers, has periodically faced allegations of corruption across different States. Sources say that the Vijayawada unit has previously received informal complaints from employers about delays, irregular practices, and unofficial demands made for clearing routine processes.

The latest arrest has once again highlighted the need for stricter internal monitoring and vigilance within ESIC offices, especially in the processing of employer compliance and recovery matters.

While no statement has yet been issued by the ESIC headquarters, officials in the Andhra Pradesh regional office indicated that they would extend cooperation with the investigation.

Accused likely to be produced before special court

The CBI is expected to produce the two accused officers before a designated CBI Court after completing the preliminary interrogation. Officials said further remand will be sought depending on the progress of the investigation.

Charges are being framed under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, including demanding and accepting illegal gratification by a public servant.

The agency will also probe whether the accused were part of a broader bribery pattern, as initial findings suggest the possibility of other complainants who may have faced similar demands.

Conclusion

The arrests of the ESIC officials underline the CBI’s continuing crackdown on corruption in government departments. With the probe now expanding to examine related documents and financial trails, more revelations are expected in the coming days. The case has also raised concerns among small business owners who rely on ESIC for statutory compliance, with many hoping that this action will lead to more transparent functioning of the organisation.