Panchkula Special Court Issues Directions
In a key development in the ₹2.5 lakh bribery case, a special CBI court in Panchkula has directed the preservation of CCTV footage from two separate locations. The order came after the accused doctor challenged the official version of his arrest and sought to secure video evidence to support his claim.
Doctor Moves Court Seeking Footage
The doctor, arrested in the first week of February by the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), filed an application before the Special Judge, CBI, Panchkula. In his plea, he requested directions to preserve CCTV recordings from Murthal Haveli in Murthal and the NFL Guest House in Panipat.
Background of the Bribery Allegations
Earlier reports stated that the medical officer was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting ₹2.5 lakh as a bribe for referring patients to a private hospital. The arrest reportedly took place at a dhaba in Murthal, where the money was allegedly exchanged for patient referrals.
Court Orders Preservation at Murthal Haveli
Allowing the application, the court directed the manager of Murthal Haveli to preserve CCTV footage of the fast-food lawn area and front parking area between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm on February 6. The footage is to be retained for use during the trial proceedings.
NFL Guest House Footage Also Secured
Similarly, the person in charge of the NFL Guest House has been instructed to preserve CCTV footage from the main entrance and reception area from 6 pm on February 6 until 5 am on February 7. Authorities must produce the recordings whenever required by the court.
Dispute Over Time and Place of Arrest
In his application, the doctor claimed that although the CBI stated he was arrested at 8:25 pm on February 6 at the NFL Guest House in Panipat, he was actually apprehended earlier, between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm at Murthal Haveli. He argued that the CCTV footage would clarify the exact sequence of events and was crucial for ensuring justice.
CBI Opposes Plea, Court Allows in Interest of Justice
The CBI’s public prosecutor opposed the plea, arguing that preserving the footage would serve no useful purpose. However, after hearing both sides, the court allowed the application in the interest of justice. Copies of the order were also sent to the concerned Station House Officers to ensure compliance.
Alleged Bribe for Patient Referrals
According to the CBI, the doctor was posted as a medical officer at a polyclinic under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme in Sewah, Panipat, at the time of the alleged offence. He is accused of accepting ₹2.5 lakh from a private hospital owner in exchange for referring patients to that hospital.
