CBI draws flak for shoddy probe

The CBI move to file a closure report in a corruption case lodged against an assistant zonal inspector of the property tax department, for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 20,000 from a man for mutation of a property, irked a Delhi court that criticised the agency and asked it to further investigate the matter.

A complaint had been filed by Vinod Kumar Monga with the CBI against Pradeep Singh, an assistant zonal inspector in the property tax department, posted in central zone SDMC Sanwal Nagar, for demanding a bribe of Rs 20,000 for mutation for a property in Defence Colony. He alleged that the accused did show him a figure of Rs 17,500 on a calculator and the complainant had agreed to give him the bribe. The complainant after informing the CBI, met Singh at his office and gave him the amount. After accepting the bribe, Singh allegedly had agreed to get his work done. The CBI, after investigating the matter, had filed a closure report, saying the complainant was doing liaison work for the owner of the property and his conduct was objectionable and suspicious.

However, the court did not allow the closure report and said that the complainant had supported the case of the prosecution regarding the bribe demand.

“The shadow has also corroborated with the respect to the conversation regarding reducing bribe amount. Therefore, the conclusion reached by the CBI on the basis of the conduct of the complainant may not be correct in the face of the evidence on record. The expert report in respect of questioned memory card, in which the conversation was recorded, has not been filed. Therefore, let the case be further investigated and report of the expert be obtained,” the court noted while rapping the CBI.