CBI Nabs MCD Junior Engineer Red-Handed Taking ₹10 Lakh Bribe in Najafgarh Zone

New Delhi: In a major anti-corruption operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Ajay Babbarwal, a Junior Engineer with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Najafgarh Zone, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh. The arrest marks yet another strong action by the CBI against graft in civic departments. ED Arrests JP Infrastructure MD Manoj Gaur in Massive Real Estate Fraud Case Bribe Demand for Clearing Pending Bills According to official sources, the CBI registered a case on 11 November 2025 against three officials of the MCD’s Najafgarh Zone: R.C. Sharma, Executive Engineer Navin Kaul, Assistant Engineer Ajay Babbarwal, Junior Engineer It was alleged that the trio had demanded an undue advantage of ₹25.42 lakh from a contractor in exchange for clearing pending bills worth around ₹3 crore related to civic work in the area. Trap and Arrest Following the complaint, the CBI swiftly laid a trap on the same day. During the operation, Junior Engineer Ajay Babbarwal was caught red-handed while accepting ₹10 lakh from the complainant as part payment of the total bribe demand. The CBI immediately apprehended the accused and launched searches at the premises of all three officials involved in the case. Raids and Recoveries During the raids, investigators recovered a large amount of cash, gold jewellery, and documents related to properties allegedly belonging to the accused. These recoveries are now being examined to determine the extent of disproportionate assets and the possible involvement of other officials or private individuals in the bribery network. The agency has stated that investigations are ongoing and further arrests or seizures are likely as evidence is analyzed. UP: CBI court sentences Bank of Baroda manager to 5 years in jail, imposes fine What Lies Ahead With mounting scrutiny on corruption within civic bodies, this arrest may trigger further internal probes within the MCD. The case also highlights the growing use of sting operations and traps by the CBI to expose officials misusing their authority for personal gain. If found guilty, the accused officials could face severe legal consequences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, including imprisonment and dismissal from service.