The CBI has registered a fresh case against Rajaram Mohanrao Chennu, Joint Director of the Central Power Research Institute, for possessing assets worth over ₹3.77 crore—roughly 1,145% of his known legal income.

  • Joint Director Rajaram Mohanrao Chennu accused of amassing assets 15 times his known income.
  • CBI seized ₹3.59 crore in cash and multiple foreign currencies from a Bengaluru residence.
  • Case linked to bribery for issuing favorable electrical equipment test reports for Sudhir Group of Companies.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its crackdown on corruption within central power bodies, registering a new First Information Report (FIR) against Rajaram Mohanrao Chennu, the Joint Director of the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI). This legal action follows a previous bribery arrest, revealing a systemic pattern of illicit enrichment.

According to the FIR, Chennu intentionally enriched himself between January 1, 2024, and January 8, 2026. The agency's detailed audit found that he possessed disproportionate assets valued at ₹3,77,53,893. When compared to his legitimate income sources for the same period, this amount represents a staggering 1,145.70 per cent increase, or approximately 15 times his known earnings.

Read Also:Satya Niketan Building Tragedy: Fear Grips Delhi University Students

The Financial Breakdown

Chennu, who joined CPRI as a grade-II engineering officer in 2009 and rose to Joint Director by August 2025, saw his asset valuation skyrocket. At the start of the check period, his assets were estimated at ₹24,66,332. By the end of the period, this figure surged to ₹4,11,73,681. The CBI calculated his total known income at ₹32,95,274, while his expenditures were ₹23,41,818, leaving a massive unexplained gap in his wealth.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this case highlights a critical vulnerability in the certification processes of national power bodies. When officials responsible for safety and quality testing—such as those at CPRI—accept bribes, it potentially compromises the integrity of electrical equipment used across the country, posing a risk to national infrastructure.

The sheer volume of foreign currency seized suggests a sophisticated network of money laundering and potential offshore holdings beyond simple domestic bribery.

The investigation initially began with a trap operation where the CBI recovered a white bag containing ₹9,49,400 in bribes from Atul Khanna, Director of Sudhir Power Limited. Subsequent raids at Chennu's Bengaluru quarters unearthed a treasure trove of cash and a diverse array of foreign currencies, including US dollars, Euros, UAE dirhams, and Chinese yuan.

Did You Know?: The Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) is India's premier institution for testing and calibration of electrical equipment, making its officials highly influential in the power sector.

Comparison of Financials

MetricValue (INR)
Known Income (Period)₹32,95,274
Total Assets (End Period)₹4,11,73,681
Disproportionate Assets₹3,77,53,893

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What was the primary reason for the bribery?
The official allegedly received bribes to issue favorable test reports for electrical equipment produced by the Sudhir Group of Companies.

Q2: What foreign currencies were found during the raid?
The CBI seized USD, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, Indonesian rupiah, Malaysian ringgit, Euros, Chinese yuan, Swedish kronor, and UAE dirhams.