Did a Haryana government employee really get 4 years in jail for bribery?

Synopsis
In a landmark ruling, a Gurugram court has sentenced a patwari to four years in prison for corruption. This case highlights the Haryana government's commitment to tackling corruption. Discover the details of this crucial judgment and its implications for government accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Sanjay Kumar sentenced to four years for bribery.
- Conviction emphasizes zero-tolerance policy by Haryana government.
- Anti-Corruption Bureau played a crucial role in the investigation.
- Another officer, Naresh, faces charges of document tampering.
- Public urged to report corrupt activities.
Gurugram, April 29 (NationPress) In a significant move against corruption within government ranks, a local court has sentenced a patwari (revenue official) to four years of rigorous imprisonment for his involvement in a corruption case this year.
The ruling was made by Additional District and Sessions Judge Jagdeep Singh on Monday, leading to the conviction of the government official Sanjay Kumar, who was also fined Rs 30,000.
Sanjay, employed at the land acquisition office of the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran, was apprehended in February 2023 while accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000 from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
According to an ACB official, Sanjay had solicited the bribe in exchange for providing a report pertaining to the interest acquired by the complainant regarding the land.
In his defense, the accused was unable to present any evidence.
Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that for the past decade, the government has implemented a zero-tolerance policy against corruption across all state departments.
The CM emphasized that any government employee engaging in illicit activities would face severe repercussions.
On February 6, 2023, the ACB received a complaint that Sanjay was demanding bribes for submitting land acquisition payment records to the court.
A case was promptly registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act at the ACB Gurugram police station.
In March 2023, the ACB submitted a charge sheet to the court.
After a two-year trial, the court found Sanjay guilty based on ACB investigations and the testimony of the complainant.
Additionally, last month, another revenue officer, Naresh, was arrested at the Sohna Tehsil office for allegedly tampering with land documents and fabricating false records.
Naresh remains in custody as the investigation continues.