CBI Requests Custody of NCLT Deputy Registrar Arrested for Bribery in Hotel Dispute

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has approached a city court to seek custody of Charan Pratap Singh, the deputy registrar of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai bench. Singh was arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 3 lakh from a businessman to favourably settle an ownership dispute involving a hotel.

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On May 29, the CBI apprehended Singh along with his alleged accomplice, Karsan Ganesh Ahir, who reportedly accepted the bribe on Singh's behalf. The agency presented both individuals before a special CBI court on the same day, seeking their remand. However, the court denied custody, stating that the bribe amount had been recovered and there were no other grounds for remand.

CBI's Fresh Plea for Custody

The CBI has now filed a new plea for their remand, arguing that further interrogation is needed to investigate the involvement of other senior NCLT officials in the bribery case. The agency contends that custodial interrogation is essential to uncover the roles of other suspected public servants and private individuals involved in the conspiracy.

The investigating officer claimed insufficient time was available to question Singh and Ahir on May 29. Meanwhile, Singh's lawyer, Shalabh Saxena, has filed for bail, asserting there is no direct evidence against his client. Both pleas are scheduled for hearing next week.

Background of the Case

The CBI registered the case against Singh on May 14 following a complaint from a hotel owner embroiled in an ownership dispute with his brothers. The matter was filed before NCLT Mumbai Court number IV on November 2, 2020, and remains unresolved.

It is alleged that on May 11, Singh demanded Rs 3.50 lakh from the complainant to use his contacts within NCLT to settle the dispute in favour of the complainant. Eventually, Singh agreed to accept Rs 3 lakh as a bribe.

Bribery Trap and Arrest

The central probe agency set up a trap where Ahir was caught accepting the bribe on behalf of Singh. This operation led to their arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

The outcome of these legal proceedings will be crucial in determining any further actions against those involved in this bribery case. The investigation aims to ensure accountability and transparency within public service institutions.

With inputs from PTI