Court Closes 32-Year-Old Corruption Case Against Former IAS Officer

Rouse Avenue Court concludes a 32-year-old corruption trial against a 90-year-old former IAS officer, declaring him unfit for trial. The court orders confiscation of his properties, highlights protracted delays, and acquits a co-accused due to lack of evidence.

After an exhaustive 32-year trial, Rouse Avenue Court has terminated a corruption case against a former IAS officer. The main accused, now around 90 years old, was found unstable and of unsound mind, hence unfit to stand trial. The court also mandated the confiscation of his several properties in South Delhi, deeming them Benami properties.

In a recent judgment, Special Judge Anil Antil emphasized the detrimental effects of delays in the criminal justice system. He criticized both the investigating agencies and the accused's tactics for causing significant justice miscarriages. Antil noted, "When the system fails, the truth remains hidden in the shadows of injustice."

The court pointed to the agency's failure to diligently pursue the case, highlighting that of the 327 witnesses cited, only 87 were examined, as many were unavailable or deceased. Initiated in 1992, the trial has seen numerous obstacles, suggesting a lack of intent by the investigating agency to conclude the case properly. The crime involved meticulous planning, using fictitious identities to acquire properties with illicit money.

The court ultimately acquitted Inderjeet Singh, brother of the main accused, of all charges, ruling he had no knowledge or legal claim over the Benami properties. The CBI had initially filed the FIR in 1987 against the then IAS officer Surender Singh Ahluwalia, accusing him of acquiring disproportionate assets during his tenure in Nagaland and Delhi. Three others were named, two of whom died during the trial. (ANI)