Chennai: The special court for cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chennai, has acquitted a cashier serving in a cooperative society from a corruption case registered with Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption wing.
According to sources, N. Rajkumar, 55, served as a cashier and manager (in-charge) of the South Chennai Cooperative Housing Society, Vadapalani, Chennai from January 29, 2009, to January 11, 2010.
Natarajan sought a loan from the society for extension of his house at Kurinji Nagar, Ramavaram. He executed a mortgage deed mortgaging the house in favour of the society on December 31, 2009.
On January 8, 2010, he approached Ravikumar at about 12.30 pm in the office and enquired about the progress of his loan application.
Ravikumar allegedly demanded a sum of Rs 6,000 to process the loan application. When Natarajan expressed his inability, Ravikumar sought Rs 2,000 initially as advance and the balance amount at the time of receiving the housing loan amount.
On January 11, 2010, around at 1.40 pm, he accepted Rs.2,000 from him as illegal gratification. Based on a complaint, Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption personnel registered a case against him under section 7 and 3 (2), 13 (1) (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
N Senthilnathan, counsel for Rajkumar, stated that the case was foisted against Rajkumar and he never demanded money. The bribe was allegedly demanded by Kalaimani, Secretary of the Society. He stated that the amount received by him was legally payable as car hire charges. He said that as per Rule 40 (f) (5) that the taxi hire charges has to be paid by the borrower.
On completion of the trial, the Special Judge, S Kanchana, said there is a doubt regarding the lodging of the complaint, which was the base of the prosecution case.
It was not known how the official witnesses were present at the place even before the lodging of the complaint and before his arrival to DVAC Office.
This creates a doubt on the prosecution case. Further, the prosecution has failed to establish the demand of bribe and non-examination of Kalamani also throws doubt on the prosecution case.
The prosecution failed to prove the case beyond all reasonable doubt. Hence, Rajkumar has been acquitted of the charges.
