A renowned forward of the Indian soccer team, Bhowmick, who works with the anti-evasion department of Central Excise, was caught red-handed while taking the bribe of Rs 1.50 lakh by the CBI sleuths who laid a trap on a tip-off.

The famed former forward of the Indian soccer team was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe from the businessman who earlier lodged a complaint with the CBI that Bhowmick had demanded the money for favouring him in connection with raid conducted on him (the businessman) on November 30, sources said.

Sources said Bhowmick demanded a sum of Rs four lakh as bribe from the businessman which was finally settled at Rs 1.50 lakh.

CBI officials said Bhowmick slapped an officer of the investigating agency while being taken into custody.

The accused was immediately whisked into CBI custody for interrorgation, sources said, adding that he would be produced in Court tomorrow.

According to the sources, CBI teams had been sent to conduct raids at Bhowmick's three residences at Alipore, Belur and Bolpur.