Arguments in Shilpy Pattar bribe case on February 16

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, February 1

As HCS officer Shilpy Pattar failed to appear in the court for the second time in a graft case, citing medical issues, the court has said that arguments on her charges would be heard in the next hearing, irrespective of her attendance. In the last hearing, Pattar had sought two-week exemption from appearing in the court, citing backache. Today again, her defence counsel submitted a similar application and asked for three-week exemption.

The prosecution argued that Pattar’s presence in court during arguments on the charges is not paramount and thus should take place at the earliest. The court agreed to the same and asked the defence to prepare its arguments for the next hearing on February 16. The previous application submitted on January 16 cited problem in her spine wherein bed rest was advised by a doctor of the Panchkula Civil Hospital.

The chargesheet against Pattar was filed in October last year under Sections 7, 13 (1) (d) read with 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 120-B of the IPC. The CBI also filed the chargesheet against her husband Dheeraj Dutt and accomplice GS Brar for criminal conspiracy. The around 1,000-page chargesheet included 30 witnesses.

Pattar was arrested by the CBI for accepting Rs 50,000 bribe on August 5, 2017. A property dealer had approached the CBI, alleging that the HCS officer, who was also the chief fire officer, had demanded Rs 5 lakh for de-sealing his showroom in Sector 26. After negotiations, the deal was struck at Rs 2 lakh, of which Rs 50,000 were to be paid on the day. The complainant had gone to the officer’s house to hand over Rs 50,000. The CBI team, which had laid a trap, arrested the officer while taking bribe.