SHILLONG – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has registered a case against two officials of the State Bank of India (SBI) for their alleged involvement in a massive loan bribery scandal at the Digital Banking Unit (DBU) 9th Mile Branch in Ri-Bhoi district.
The Investigation and Accused
Following a complaint from the Assistant General Manager of SBI’s Regional Business Office-Shillong Rural, the CBI booked the following individuals:
- Shri Bhabesh Medhi, the then Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SBI, DBU 9th Mile Branch.
- Shri Motilal, a contractual employee at the same branch.
- Unknown individuals suspected of acting as middlemen or collaborators.
The case was registered on March 12, 2026, under Section 120-B (Criminal Conspiracy) of the IPC and Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Allegations of Fraudulent Loans
The probe focuses on the period between June 1, 2023, and December 19, 2023. According to the FIR, the accused officials entered into a criminal conspiracy to sanction approximately 885 loans—primarily Xpress Credit and Personal Loans—totaling roughly ₹6.10 crore to ineligible borrowers.
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Investigation findings suggest that these loans were approved in exchange for illegal gratification. Specifically, it is alleged that Shri Motilal received more than ₹1.70 lakh in bribes directly into his personal bank account from at least 35 borrowers. Authorities believe the total amount of “undue advantage” obtained by the officials may increase significantly as the detailed investigation progresses.
Procedural Clearances
A Joint Surprise Check (JSC) conducted on June 26, 2025, by CBI and bank representatives initially flagged suspicious money trails from borrower accounts to the bank staff. The Competent Authority of SBI has already accorded sanction for the investigation. Furthermore, the Government of Meghalaya and the Government of India issued necessary notifications in early 2026 to extend the CBI’s jurisdiction for this specific case within the state.
CBI Inspector Tribhuwan Kumar Singh has been assigned to lead the ongoing investigation.
