A special CBI court in Panchkula has delivered a significant verdict, sentencing two former officials from the Haryana Excise and Taxation Department and a clerk to five years of rigorous imprisonment in a corruption case dating back to 2015.
The Conviction and Sentencing Details
The court found the three men guilty of accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000. Those convicted are Rajesh Kumar, who was the then Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO), Jagbir Singh, who served as an inspector, and Dharamvir, who worked as a clerk in the department. In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 on each of the convicted individuals.
The case was registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after a complaint was filed. The prosecution successfully argued that the officials had demanded and accepted the bribe from a complainant. Following the trial, the special court judge, Sushil Kumar Garg, pronounced the verdict, holding them accountable under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Background of the Corruption Case
The roots of this case go back to 2015 when the CBI initiated an investigation based on allegations of bribery. The agency filed a chargesheet against the accused, leading to the commencement of the trial. The court's judgment underscores the legal consequences for public servants engaged in corrupt practices.
This conviction is part of ongoing efforts to combat graft within government departments. The sentencing of a former ETO, an inspector, and a clerk from the same department highlights that accountability spans all levels of official hierarchy.
Implications and Legal Context
The five-year jail term serves as a stern reminder of the stringent provisions under India's anti-corruption laws. Cases prosecuted by the CBI in special courts are pivotal in the fight against corruption, aiming to deter public servants from misusing their authority.
The location of the trial, Panchkula, is a known hub for special CBI courts handling such sensitive cases. The verdict reinforces the principle that those entrusted with public duty must act with integrity, and violations will lead to severe penal consequences, including substantial prison time and financial penalties.
