The CBI arrested three officials of India Tourism Development Corporation here for allegedly taking bribes to give three star status to eight hotels in Malabar region in Kerala. 

Those arrested are Velu Murugan, assistant director of ITDC in Kochi; Sabu, tourist information officer and Radhakrishnan a substaff, CBI sources said.

Cases have been registered against them under Section 120B (Criminal Consipiracy) of IPC and prevention of corruption act. Raids were conducted in the ITDC office and their residences and cash worth over 4.5 lakh was seized, the sources said.

The officials had allegedly taken bribe from the owners of eight hotels in various parts of Malabar region.