Akela
THE Special Judge for Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases, Dwarka Court, New Delhi has convicted Bhima Raju Prasad, then regional manager, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd., Visakhapatnam steel plant, New Delhi, A.K. Gupta then manager (marketing) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd., New Delhi, Anil Verma, proprietor of M/s. Verma Transport Co. Delhi and Avinash Chander Chanana (private person) a resident of Delhi for causing an alleged loss of Rs. 2.01 crores (approx) to Government Exchequer. Bhima Raju Prasad and A.K. Gupta were sentenced to undergo four years rigorous Imprisonment with total fine of Rs. 15 Lakhs. Anil Verma to undergo four years rigorous Imprisonment with total fine of Rs.1.05 crore and A.C. Chanana to undergo four years rigorous Imprisonment with total fine of Rs. 10 Lakhs.
According to CBI press note, CBI had registered a case on January 4, 2001 against Bhima Raju Prasad, then Regional Manager, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd., Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, New Delhi and others. The allegations under investigation were that the said accused persons had entered into a criminal conspiracy for causing wrongful loss to the tune of Rs. 2.01 crores (approx) to Visakhapatnam steel plant and corresponding gain for themselves and others. In furtherance of the said criminal conspiracy, the accused public servants dishonestly and fraudulently recommended and managed to get exorbitant increase in the rates of handling and transportation contract awarded to M/s Verma Transport Company Delhi from Rs. 30 per metric tonne to Rs. 140 per metric tonne on the pretext of union fee/charges.
After thorough investigation, a chargesheet was filed on May 20, 2002 under sections 120-B of IPC r/w 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Bhima Raju Prasad; A.K. Gupta; Anil Verma and A.C. Chanana.
The Special Judge for CBI cases, Dwarka Court, New Delhi has found the accused persons guilty of the chargesheeted offences and convicted them. All the accused have been sent to judicial custody.