CBI takes custody of graft-accused cop

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 11

A Sub-Inspector (SI) of the UT police, whose three-day police remand ended today, was taken on production warrant by the CBI in a corruption case. The SI was produced in the CBI court and sent to five-day remand.

SI Rajbir Singh, who has been accused of taking a bribe and escaping before CBI sleuths could nab him, had surrendered before the District Courts at Sector 43 here on January 8.

The UT police had arrested him in a case of attempt to murder registered against him on a complaint of CBI officials, who had alleged that the SI had tried to run over one of them while fleeing from the spot.

The cops today did not seek further remand of the SI, following which the court decided to send the SI to judicial custody. However, CBI officials told the court that they needed his custody to interrogate him. The court allowed the CBI plea. Following this, the investigating agency produced the cop in the CBI court.

CBI sleuths sought SI’s remand to recover bribe money from him and to investigate involvement of any other cop in the case.

Sita Ram, who owns a meat shop at Hallo Majra, had complained that the SI was demanding a bribe of Rs 10,000 from him for not registering a case against one of his employees. A complaint of theft was received against the employee and three others. While three others had paid Rs 15,000 each, Sita Ram had paid Rs 5,000 only and the SI was demanding the remaining Rs 10,000.

A trap was laid at Hallo Majra. The SI arrived in his car and allegedly took Rs 10,000 from Sita Ram. When CBI officials reached near the car, the SI accelerated it. It is alleged that the SI tried to run over a CBI official while fleeing, following which he was also booked for attempt to murder.