PUSHPINDER SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The matter is taken up for hearing through video conference due to COVID-19 situation.

(2.) This is a petition seeking regular bail in case of FIR No. 9 dated 15.6.2021, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, registered at Police Station Vigilance Bureau Bathinda Range, District Bathinda.

(3.) The Vigilance Bureau received a complaint from Gurcharan Singh son of Bogha Singh, resident of village Rakhala, Tehsil Giddarbaha. As per the complaint, the complainant had exchanged his land in village Rakhala with the land in village Kotbai owned by Darshan Singh. After the exchange, the parties were in possession of the land. The documents for mutation of land were given to Pushpinder Singh Patwari (petitioner), he demanded Rs.50,000/- to enter the mutation for exchange of land. The deal was struck for Rs.25,000/-. An amount of Rs.19000/- was given at the spot. When petitioner was approached for the copy of mutation, he asked for the balance amount of Rs.6000/-. On request the amount was reduced to Rs.5000/-. A trap was laid and on 15.6.2021. the amount demanded was paid after applying chemical to currency notes, the petitioner was caught red handed.