Delhi judge transferred, court official booked as ACB probes bribe-for-bail allegations
New Delhi: The Delhi government's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against a court ahlmad (record keeper) following allegations of a bribe-for-bail racket operating in the Rouse Avenue Court. The FIR, filed on May 16, comes amid mounting evidence suggesting a nexus involving demands for large sums of money in exchange for favourable bail orders.
The investigation stems from multiple complaints, including audio recordings, alleging that bribes were solicited to secure bail for accused individuals in a high-profile GST refund fraud case. Though the Special Judge who heard the bail applications has not been named in the FIR, he was transferred to another court on May 20, just four days after the case was registered.
According to *The Indian Express*, the matter first surfaced when the ACB sought permission from the Principal Secretary of the Department of Law, Justice, and Legislative Affairs on January 29 to investigate both the judge and the ahlmad. The request, based on prima facie evidence including recorded conversations and written complaints, was forwarded to the Delhi High Court.
However, the High Court denied permission to probe the judge, citing insufficient material, but allowed the investigation against the court official to continue. The court also stated that the ACB could renew its request for judicial inquiry should further evidence emerge.
Following this directive, the ACB has concentrated its probe on the ahlmad, who has since applied for anticipatory bail. During the hearing, his counsel argued that the FIR was fabricated, while the prosecution maintained that the ahlmad played a central role in facilitating bribe transactions. Prosecutors further contended that releasing him on bail could compromise the ongoing investigation.
The FIR details two key complaints. The first, filed on December 30, 2024, by a relative of one of the accused, alleged a demand of Rs 85 lakh for bail and Rs 1 crore each for other co-accused. A subsequent complaint received in January accused the ahlmad of offering to secure bail for three individuals for Rs 15–20 lakh each.
The High Court Registrar's response, referenced in the FIR, indicates that the court remains open to further action against the judge if new evidence surfaces during the probe.
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Maharashtra secures historic sword of Raghuji Bhosale in London auction
LONDON/MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has acquired the sword of Raghuji Bhosale, founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty and a distinguished commander in the Maratha army under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, after winning it in an auction in London.
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar formally took possession of the weapon on Monday. It is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on 18 August, where it will be received with ceremonial honours, as reported by The Indian Express.
News of the sword’s availability surfaced on 28 April this year. Minister Shelar consulted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after which the government began preparations to participate in the auction.
A group of Marathi-speaking residents in London gathered to witness the handover. Hemant Dalvi, Deputy Director of the Archaeology Department, accompanied the minister during the formalities.
The sword is an 18th-century Maratha Firangi. It has a straight, single-edged European blade with a gold-inlaid Mulheri hilt and near the hilt is the European manufacturer’s name, while the spine bears a gold-inlaid Devanagari inscription reading “Shreemant Raghoji Bhosale Senasahib Subha Firang,” confirming its connection to Raghuji Bhosale. The hilt’s gold koftgari work and the green cloth-wrapped rounded pommel add to its rarity as Maratha weapons of the period typically lacked elaborate ornamentation or inscriptions.
Raghuji Bhosale I, ruled from Nagpur between 1695 and 1755. He expanded Maratha influence into Bengal, Odisha, Chanda, Chhattisgarh, Sambalpur and parts of southern India. His military campaigns, included victories over the Nawabs of Bengal, Cuddapah and Kurnool. The Nagpur kingdom was also known for its rich deposits of iron and copper, used for weapons and trade.
While few historians believe that the sword left India in the early 19th century, as part of the war booty taken by the British East India Company after their victory over the Bhosales at the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817, others say it was taken later as a diplomatic gift.
The sword will be escorted from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to PL Deshpande Kala Academy in Dadar by a ceremonial bike rally upon its arrival in Mumbai next week. A cultural programme titled Gad Garjana will be held the same day in the presence of state dignitaries.
Minister Shelar described the acquisition as an important moment for Maharashtra’s heritage and extended his thanks to the Chief Minister, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for their support in securing the artefact.
