CBI Crackdown: ₹2 Crore Bribery Case, 24-Year Bank Fraud Fugitive Arrested

New Delhi, March 15, 2026 – India’s premier investigative agency has taken decisive action in two high-profile cases, including a police bribery allegation and the arrest of a long-term bank fraud fugitive.

Police Officer Accused of ₹2 Crore Bribe

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case on March 10 against Inspector Deepak Phalswal, who allegedly demanded ₹2 crore from Shubham Mishra to influence the outcome of a complaint lodged with the agency. Mishra stated that Phalswal visited his residence in Mahabali Puram, Bhati Kalan, on January 22, seeking the payment to “settle” the complaint.

Following the case registration, Phalswal was arrested by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch and presented before Special Judge Jyoti Kler at the Rouse Avenue Courts. The officer had been in custody for two days before the court hearing. Phalswal filed a bail application while prosecutors opposed it, with the court scheduling further arguments.

In a related development, a head constable from Sultanpuri Police Station was also arrested for allegedly accepting a ₹20,000 bribe during a police raid. Two other officers are under investigation to determine if additional personnel were involved in the scheme.

Arrest of a Long-Term Bank Fraud Fugitive

Separately, the CBI announced the arrest of Harpal Singh Ahuja, a proclaimed offender in a bank fraud case dating back more than 20 years. Ahuja had evaded law enforcement for approximately 11 years, frequently relocating between Mumbai and Faridabad to avoid capture.

Authorities traced Ahuja to Mumbai and arrested him on March 12 in the Kalyan area. He was produced before the Special Judge of the CBI Court in Ghaziabad and remanded to judicial custody. Officials said the arrest represents a major breakthrough in a long-standing investigation that had remained unresolved while the accused was absconding.

These actions underscore the CBI’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within law enforcement and resolve longstanding financial crimes.