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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Rahul Gandhi to attend friendly football match between Messi, Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad
Hyderabad (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will attend the GOAT India Tour event featuring football legend Lionel Messi at the RGI Cricket Stadium here on Saturday evening, Telangana Congress sources said.
A friendly match will be played between the two teams -- Singareni RR9 and Aparna-Messi All Stars. These two teams will be playing a 15-20 minute friendly match and five minutes before the game, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, a football enthusiast and Messi will join and will dribble the ball together.
Rahul Gandhi will land here on a special flight at 4.30 PM and will proceed to Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel where Messi will be staying.
After watching the game, Gandhi will leave for the national capital by 10.30 PM.
Elaborate security arrangements are being made for the event at the RGI Cricket stadium.
Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu said security would be provided with 3,000 personnel.
