The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against Charan Pratap Singh, Deputy Registrar of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai, in a bribery case involving an alleged payment of ₹3 lakh. However, the agency has dropped businessman Karasan (Karsan) Ganesh Ahir from the list of accused, stating that there was no evidence to show he knew the money he collected was a bribe.
Businessman Dropped for Lack of Evidence
According to the CBI’s chargesheet submitted earlier this week, investigators found no material to suggest that Ahir was aware of the nature of the money he had collected on Singh’s instructions.
The agency stated:
“No active role of Karsan Ganesh Ahir in the demand or acceptance of the bribe was found. He did not have knowledge that the money he collected was bribe money.”
Ahir has therefore not been named as an accused in the final chargesheet.
Deputy Registrar Accused of Demanding ₹6.5 Lakh, Accepting ₹3 Lakh
Singh was arrested in May after a complaint was filed by a litigant whose hotel ownership dispute was pending before the NCLT. The complainant informed the CBI that Singh allegedly demanded ₹6.5 lakh to ensure a favourable order in the ongoing case.
The chargesheet notes that the complainant had first come into contact with Singh regarding the pending matter. According to investigators:
- Singh informed the complainant that a staff member of his wanted to stay at the complainant’s Lonavla hotel.
- The staff member and her family stayed at the hotel for three days, leaving a bill of ₹30,000 unpaid.
- When the complainant later asked about the unpaid dues, Singh allegedly reacted angrily and reminded him that his case was pending before the NCLT.
- Singh then allegedly offered to “help” in the matter and demanded an illegal gratification.
The CBI alleges that Singh accepted ₹3 lakh as part of this bribe, which was physically collected by Ahir on Singh’s instructions.
Court Takes Cognisance, Issues Process Under Prevention of Corruption Act
On November 13, the special CBI court in Mumbai took cognisance of the chargesheet and issued process against Singh for offences under Section 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which deals with taking undue advantage to influence a public servant or public function.
The court observed, “It prima facie appears that accused Charan Pratap Singh, Deputy Registrar, NCLT Mumbai, demanded undue advantage of ₹6,50,000 and accepted ₹3,00,000 through a private person. Hence, process is issued under Section 7(A) of the P.C. Act.”
Accused Already Out on Bail
Singh had been granted bail by the special court in June, shortly after his arrest.
With the chargesheet now filed and the court having initiated proceedings, the case will move into the trial stage where evidence regarding the alleged bribe demand and acceptance will be scrutinized.
