A CBI trap operation in Visakhapatnam led to the arrest of a Plant Quarantine Station official and a private individual over an alleged ₹1 lakh payment linked to the clearance of import containers, the agency said on November 7, 2026.
The arrested official is Sudhakara T.M., Assistant Director and In-charge of the Plant Quarantine Station (PQS), Visakhapatnam. The other arrested person, Sunkavalli Satyanarayana, is described as a private person who allegedly acted as an intermediary.
Case and trap operation
The CBI registered the case on November 6, 2026, against two officials of the Visakhapatnam station, including the Assistant Director, three private persons and other unidentified individuals. The allegation is that Sudhakara demanded ₹1 lakh from a private firm in return for clearing containers awaiting approval from the quarantine station.
On Friday, November 6, the agency laid a trap. It said Sudhakara was caught red-handed accepting the ₹1 lakh through Satyanarayana, and that the full amount was recovered during the operation. Both men were subsequently arrested.
Searches and continuing investigation
The CBI searched premises in Visakhapatnam, Faridabad and Thimanapalli village in Kolar district, Karnataka. The two arrested individuals were produced before a competent court in Visakhapatnam. The investigation into the roles of the other named accused is continuing.
The Plant Quarantine Station functions under the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Its responsibilities include phytosanitary clearances and inspections related to imports and exports of agricultural commodities. The CBI has not identified the firm involved or provided further details on any additional recoveries from the searches.
