4 min readChandigarhUpdated: May 4, 2025 09:52 AM IST
Narender Singh, Public Prosecutor for CBI argued that the convict who was an Inspector in CBI has misused his official position for extortion.
(File Photo)
Sentencing a CBI inspector to five years in jail for extorting a “new Honda City car” from a company in 2016, the special CBI Court of Chandigarh on Saturday said that “corruption by public servants has reached such monsterous stage that the institutions which have been created for the purpose of serving the public are thwarting the very purpose of the same”.
The court added that by virtue of the Prevention of Corruption Act, “all public servants are warned that the corrupt will have to face serious consequences”.
The convict — Ravinder Kumar Singla, a CBI Inspector, was held guilty under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, section 13 (1) (d) (ii) punishable under section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and section 384 (extortion) of Indian Penal Code, by the Court of Alka Malik, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Special CBI Court, Chandigarh.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the convict.
The Court has already acquitted accused Paramjit Singh from all charges.
As the matter came up for quantum of sentence on Saturday, Ravinder Kumar Singla by virtue of his separate statement reduced to writing urged that he has impeccable record of service except the present case.
He is not a previous convict and has the liability to maintain his family including wife, minor children and aged parents, thus praying for a lenient view.
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Narender Singh, Public Prosecutor for CBI argued that the convict who was an Inspector in CBI has misused his official position to such an extent that he has extorted Honda City car in question from complainant company, which deals in pharmaceuticals.
“His behaviour is a stark reminder of the corrosive influence of corruption and the dangers of unchecked power. Therefore, to uphold the rule of law and ensure that those who abuse their position of trust are held accountable, the convict should be dealt with sternly and he is not entitled to any kind of leniency. In fact, he has undermined the premier institution the Central Bureau of Investigation, which he was serving by indulging in corrupt practices. Therefore, he deserves strict punishment to deter like-minded public servants,” he argued.
The CBIJudge on hearing the arguments held that “It shall be absolutely relevant to mention here that corruption by public servants has reached such monsterous stage that the institutions which have been created for the purpose of serving the public are thwarting the very purpose of the same. Corruption by public servants is in fact paralysing the functioning of the public institutions, thereby hindering the very democratic polity of the State.”
Citing different judgements of the Supreme Court, he said, “…the magnitude of corruption in our country has led to economic rest. It is the rampant corruption indulged in with impunity by highly placed persons that has led to this situation. If one is asked to name one sole factor that effectively arrest the progress of our society to prosperity, undeniably it is corruption. In fact, corruption erodes the fundamental tenets of the rule of law. Corruption is an enemy of the nation and tracking down corrupt public servants and punishing such persons is a necessary mandate of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. By virtue of this act, all public servants are warned that corrupt public servants have to face very serious consequences.”
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The court said that “convict while working as inspector in the CBI has indulged in corrupt practices and had extorted a brand new Honda City car in question from the officials of the complainant company. He was daring enough to force them for transfer to its ownership in his name or in his relative’s name, Though, at that juncture, the officials of the complainant company refused to succumb to his pressure and initiated the criminal law into motion by filing the instant complaint. However, the convict has shown utmost disregard to the principles of honesty and fair play, which is expected from a public servant. Therefore, he deserves to be punished to deter like minded public servants to curb the menace of corruption.”
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
