What Sentenced Former BSNL Officers to 4 Years RI in Bribery Case?

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What Sentenced Former BSNL Officers to 4 Years RI in Bribery Case?

Synopsis

In a significant ruling, a special CBI court in Jaipur has sentenced two former BSNL officials to four years of rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in a bribery case. This decision emphasizes the importance of accountability in public service and the ongoing battle against corruption.

Key Takeaways

  • Two former BSNL officials sentenced to four years of prison.
  • CBI emphasizes the fight against corruption.
  • Bribery scheme involved soliciting Rs 1.2 lakh.
  • Importance of accountability in public offices.
  • Public trust is vital for effective governance.

Jaipur, July 10 (NationPress) - A special CBI court in Jaipur has handed down a sentence of four years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) to two ex-officials of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) from Bharatpur. The convicted are Rajesh Kumar Bansal, the former Telecom District Manager, and M.L. Bansal, a retired Junior Accounts Officer, in connection with a bribery case, as stated by officials on Thursday.

Each of the accused has also been imposed with a fine of Rs 50,000.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated the case on April 6, 2017. Allegations surfaced that Rajesh Kumar Bansal solicited a bribe of Rs 1.2 lakh through co-accused M.L. Bansal from a contractor to release a pending payment of approximately Rs 60 lakh pertaining to tender work.

Following a complaint, the CBI executed a trap and apprehended Rajesh Kumar Bansal while he was accepting Rs 1,00,000 in bribe, in the presence of M.L. Bansal.

The cash was seized from Bansal's possession during this operation.

Subsequently, the agency submitted a charge sheet against both individuals on September 22, 2017, after conducting a thorough investigation.

Upon reviewing the evidence, the Special CBI Court found both officials guilty of corruption.

The court remarked that the accused had abused their official roles for personal gain, thus violating public trust.

They were convicted under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and sentenced on July 9, 2025.

This case underscores the CBI's persistent mission to fight corruption in public offices and uphold accountability among government officials.

Officials mentioned that the BSNL telecom district manager and the ex-junior account officer were arrested in 2017 for accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh to clear a contractor's bills.

CBI agents reported that Rajesh Kumar Bansal was caught alongside his intermediary and former BSNL junior account officer, M.L. Bansal, in Bharatpur as they accepted the bribe.

"We received a complaint from a cable contractor, Sukhbeer Singh Sinsinwar, indicating that Rajesh Kumar Bansal was demanding a bribe of Rs 1 lakh to clear his outstanding payments of Rs 60 lakh. The telecom district manager had appointed M.L. Bansal to negotiate on his behalf," a CBI official informed media in 2017.

After verifying Sinsinwar's complaint, the CBI set a trap at Bharatpur quarters of Bansal and caught him red-handed.

"Both Rajesh Bansal and M.L. Bansal were transported to Jaipur for further interrogation and were charged under specific provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act," the CBI official added, noting that the contractor was seeking clearance for a fiber optic cable he had laid.

"Bansal initially demanded a bribe of Rs 1.2 lakh, but after some negotiation, the amount was settled at Rs 1 lakh," the official concluded.

Point of View

It is imperative to recognize the importance of integrity in public service. This ruling serves as a pivotal reminder that corruption will not be tolerated and that officials must be held accountable for their actions. The CBI's proactive measures reinforce the public's trust in governance.
NationPress
16/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the charges against the former BSNL officials?
The former BSNL officials were charged with soliciting a bribe of Rs 1.2 lakh for the clearance of pending payments related to tender work.
What punishment did the court impose?
The court sentenced the officials to four years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 each.
When was the case registered by the CBI?
The CBI registered the case on April 6, 2017.
How was the bribery scheme uncovered?
The CBI laid a trap after receiving a complaint and caught Rajesh Kumar Bansal red-handed while accepting a bribe.
What is the impact of this case on public trust?
This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in public offices, reinforcing the importance of accountability among government officials.