PNB Manager Praveen Yadav Arrested by CBI for Allegedly Taking Bribe to Clear Solar Loan Files in Agra

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A Punjab National Bank branch manager posted in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra district has landed in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation after allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe to process solar loan applications, exposing yet another case of corruption in the implementation of government-backed renewable energy financing schemes.

The CBI arrested Praveen Yadav, the branch manager of Punjab National Bank’s Bhadrauli branch in Barhan area of Agra, while he was allegedly accepting ₹30,000 as the first installment of a bribe from a complainant linked to a private company involved in solar projects. Investigators say the arrest followed a carefully planned trap operation after the agency verified allegations made by the complainant.

According to the CBI, the case was formally registered on June 25 after a complaint alleged that the bank official had sought illegal gratification in exchange for clearing loan applications related to solar panel installations. The complainant had approached the agency claiming that nearly 19 solar loan files had already received approval from the bank, but their final processing and release were allegedly being delayed unless money was paid.

Investigators stated that the accused initially demanded ₹7,000 for each loan file, taking the total demand to more than ₹1.3 lakh. However, negotiations reportedly followed between the complainant and the bank official, after which the amount was allegedly reduced and settled at ₹52,000 for all the files.

“The accused public servant demanded undue advantage for processing and clearing the already approved loan applications,” officials familiar with the investigation said, adding that the complaint was verified before any action was initiated.

Following the verification process, the CBI laid a trap and monitored the exchange. Officials claim that Yadav was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹30,000 as the first installment of the agreed amount. The cash recovery and the circumstances surrounding the transaction became crucial evidence in the agency’s case against the bank official.

The arrest has once again drawn attention to corruption risks associated with loan disbursement processes, particularly in sectors linked to government incentives and subsidy-driven schemes. Solar financing has emerged as a major area of banking activity in recent years as both the Central and state governments continue to push renewable energy adoption among households, businesses and farmers.

Industry experts have often pointed out that delays in loan approvals and disbursements can significantly impact small businesses and consumers seeking to install solar infrastructure. Allegations of bribery in such cases not only increase project costs but also undermine confidence in public institutions that play a key role in supporting India’s clean energy transition.

For applicants and companies working in the solar sector, access to timely financing remains essential for project execution. Any attempt to exploit borrowers by demanding illegal payments can slow the growth of renewable energy initiatives and discourage participation in government-backed green energy programmes.

The CBI has launched further investigations to determine whether similar demands were made in other loan cases handled by the branch or whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged scheme. Officials are also examining related documents and financial records as part of the probe.

The arrested bank manager is scheduled to be produced before a competent court in Ghaziabad on Friday, where the investigating agency is expected to seek further legal proceedings in connection with the case.

The development serves as another reminder of the challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies in policing financial institutions, even as banks increasingly become central to the implementation of public welfare and development programmes across the country.