Hisar Court Convicts Crime Branch Sub-Inspector in Rs 40,000 Bribery Case
In a significant ruling against police corruption, a Hisar court has convicted sub-inspector Bijendra for accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000. The case involved threats to implicate an individual in a fraud investigation, highlighting systemic issues in law enforcement.
Details of the Bribery Conviction
Additional session judge Khatri Saurabh delivered the verdict, finding the crime branch officer guilty. The quantum of sentence is scheduled to be pronounced on February 23, 2024. This conviction stems from a complaint filed in June 2021, underscoring the lengthy legal process involved in such corruption cases.
Background and Complaint
The case dates back to June 29, 2021, when the Anti-Corruption Bureau registered a criminal case against sub-inspector Bijendra. The complaint was lodged by Dharampal, a resident of Kahnewala village in Punjab's Mansa district. According to the allegations, a fraud case had been registered against Dheeraj Kumar of Sardulgarh village in Mansa district, leading to his arrest by police.
During the investigation, SI Bijendra Singh, who was posted in the Hisar Crime Branch, summoned Vijay Kumar for questioning. Vijay Kumar is a labourer working on Dharampal's farm. Dharampal claimed that when he accompanied Vijay Kumar to Hisar, the officer threatened to implicate him in the fraud case.
Extortion and Negotiation
The sub-inspector initially demanded Rs 2 lakh to spare Vijay Kumar from implication. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to Rs 1 lakh. Fearing legal action, Dharampal alleged he sold his wife's jewellery for Rs 37,700 to arrange part of the money. However, the officer continued to exert pressure, demanding an additional Rs 50,000.
This escalation prompted Dharampal to approach the Anti-Corruption Bureau, seeking intervention against the corrupt practices.
ACB Trap and Arrest
Acting on the complaint, an ACB team set up a trap to catch the sub-inspector in the act. The operation was successful, with the team apprehending Bijendra red-handed while he was accepting Rs 40,000 as a bribe. This evidence proved crucial in the court proceedings, leading to the recent conviction.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The court's decision to hold the sub-inspector guilty marks a victory for anti-corruption efforts in Haryana. It sends a strong message about accountability within police forces. The upcoming sentencing on February 23 will determine the punishment, which could include imprisonment and fines under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
This case also raises awareness about the mechanisms available for citizens to report corruption, such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and the importance of such institutions in upholding justice.
