Sub-divisional magistrate in net for taking bribe from drivers

A sub-divisional magistrate was arrested on Wednesday by a team of Haryana vigilance bureau for his alleged involvement in a corruption case. 

The case dates back to August 2010 when sub-divisional magistrate Satbir Singh Janghu was posted in Mahendragath. 

The bureau got a complaint from Pardeep, a resident of Bhiwani district, who said he was allegedly harassed to pay bribes for running his truck from Rajasthan to Haryana.

His vehicle was prevented from running by Janghu’s aide Dharamvir, who allegedly collected bribe from drivers and issued a challan if it was not paid.  Dharamvir used Janghu’s official vehicle and a blank challan book carrying the sub-divisional magistrate’s signature.

The duo told Pardeep to give Rs 7,000 to another person, Raj Kumar, to continue running his vehicle. 

After receiving the complaint, a vigilance bureau team accompanied by city magistrate Surjit Singh laid a trap and arrested Kumar red-handed while accepting the bribe.  

Kumar said he used to take bribe on behalf of Dharamvir and Janghu. Kumar also told a court that he used to give the entire money to the duo, while he got a fraction of it.

Janghu approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court for anticipatory bail but it was denied. 

Police said further investigation is on in the case.