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Arrested in corruption case by investigating agency, JE told complainant: ‘Give 30,000 in one go or I won’t do it’

The complainant had approached the CBI alleging that JE Sukhwinder Singh had been threatening action against the electrical meter at his residence.

According to the CBI FIR, the transcript of the conversation recorded between the complainant and the JE has established that accused Sukhwinder Singh demanded 30,000 from complainant Bharat Kumar for settlement of the matter. (Representational Image)

“Give 30,000 in one go or I will not do it (30,000 katha de nahi ta main nahi karna),” said JE Sukhwinder Singh, who was arrested by the CBI in a graft case, to complainant Bharat Kumar when the latter met him at his office in Manimajra, and recorded their conversation.

The transcript of the conversation, which has been attached in the FIR of CBI, reveals that when accused Sukhwinder says “give 30,000 in one go or I will not do it”, complainant Kumar replies: 30,000 nagad chaiye ( 30,000 in cash). The accused then says “haan bilkul (Yes, Absolutely)”.

As per the transcript, Kumar asks Sukhwinder to give him one day’s time, but the accused didn’t.

The complainant had approached the CBI alleging that JE Sukhwinder Singh had been threatening action against the electrical meter at his residence. To avoid any punitive measures, the JE allegedly demanded a bribe of 50,000. However, after negotiation, the amount was reduced to 30,000. The JE then called the complainant to his office in Manimajra to hand over the money.

Acting swiftly, the CBI laid a trap inside the electricity department office. As soon as the complainant handed over 30,000 to JE Sukhwinder Singh, the CBI officials caught him red-handed. Later, the agency registered a case against him on charges of corruption.

‘Ek din ka time dedo’

Complainant Kumar: “Ek din ka time dedo, pls sir (give me one-day time).”

Accused Sukhwinder: “Na bhaji na (No).”

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Complainant: “Apko 30,000 mil jayenge aaj bhar ka time dedo bill toh theek kara do mera (You will get money, give me today’s time and get my bill corrected)”.

Accused: “Ki karona (what is the work)?”

Complainant: “16000 zada aa gaya hai (It has come 16,000 extra).”

Accused: “Meri gal sun, main tera fayda karan nu soch reya ha…joh challan hunda hai oh moke te hunda hai (Listen to me, I am thinking of benefitting you…whatever the challan is, it is issued on the spot).”

Accused: “…Tu mera hissa daal itna fayda karunga tera tu yaad karega…meter tera andar laga deta hu… (You give me my part, I will benefit you so much that you will remember it…will get your meter inside).”

Complainant: “Lagwa do (Get it fixed)”.

Jagpreet Singh Sandhu

Jagpreet Singh Sandhu is a Senior Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. He is a veteran reporter with over a decade of experience, specializing in legal, crime, and environmental reporting across the tri-city area (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula). Professional Background Core Beat: He primarily covers the Punjab and Haryana High Court, District Courts, CBI Courts, and Consumer Commissions. His legal reporting is known for breaking down complex judgments and tracking long-standing criminal cases. Environmental Reporting: Jagpreet has become a key voice in reporting on the deteriorating air quality and weather patterns in the Punjab-Haryana region. Crime & Technology: He frequently reports on cybercrime, digital arrest scams, and the intersection of technology and law enforcement, such as the development of citizen-centric policing apps. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His late 2025 coverage has focused on significant judicial verdicts, major financial scams, and public health concerns: 1. Legal & CBI Court Verdicts "12 years on, CBI court acquits Haryana judge, parents in wife’s death case" (Dec 17, 2025): Detailed coverage of the acquittal of a judicial officer in a high-profile dowry death case from 2013. "‘Wicked & evil mind’: Court gives man 30-year term for kidnapping, sexually assaulting 8-year-old" (Dec 16, 2025): A report on a stern judgment from a Chandigarh district court in a POCSO case. "Man acquitted in rape case after victim found ‘very happy’ in wedding reception" (Dec 9, 2025): Covering a unique legal observation regarding consensual relationships and age verification. 2. Investigative & Scams "CBI registers FIR in Rs 1.14-cr Patient Welfare Grant scam at PGIMER" (Dec 19, 2025): An exposé on how funds meant for poor patients were siphoned off through forged documents and a photocopy shop inside the PGIMER campus. "Month-long torture, Rs 85 lakh transfers: How ‘Innocence Certificate’ led to a ‘digital arrest’ of an elderly couple" (Dec 12, 2025): Detailing a sophisticated cyber fraud targeting senior citizens in Chandigarh. 3. Environment & Public Safety "Panchkula air turns ‘very poor’, fourth worst in country" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on the sudden spike in pollution levels in Panchkula compared to neighbouring cities. "Soon, you can snap that overspeeding car, and report to Chandigarh Police" (Dec 16, 2025): Breaking news on a new mobile application being developed to allow citizens to report traffic violations via geo-tagged photos. 4. Gangster Culture & Crime "City Beautiful in the crosshairs of gangsters" (Dec 14, 2025): A feature analysis of how Chandigarh has increasingly become a staging ground for extortion and rivalries between gangster modules. "Shooters wanted for Parry murder held by Delhi Police Special Cell" (Dec 18, 2025): Following the developments in a high-profile murder case in Chandigarh’s Sector 26. Signature Style Jagpreet is recognized for his tenacious follow-up on cold cases and his ability to report on courtroom drama with a focus on victim rights. His work often highlights administrative lapses, whether in the handling of patient welfare funds or the enforcement of environmental standards. ... Read More

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