Assam Tribunal Member Arrested for Alleged Bribery
Arrest of Tribunal Member in Assam
File image of Mazbat Police Station in Udalguri District (Photo: Sakiul Islam/Gmaps)
Guwahati, Sept 18: Authorities in Assam's Udalguri district have detained a member of a Foreigners Tribunal for allegedly soliciting a bribe of Rs 15,000 related to a bail application, as reported by police on Friday.
The individual, named Bhupen Chandra Pegu, was taken into custody following an inquiry prompted by a complaint filed at the Mazbat Police Station.
As per police reports, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on August 29 after the complaint indicated that Pegu had requested Rs 15,000 in relation to bail proceedings at the Foreigners Tribunal.
Law enforcement has charged Pegu under Section 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to extortion.
Details regarding the complainant's identity have not been revealed, nor has there been any additional information about the tribunal case linked to the alleged bribery.
This arrest is part of a broader investigation into financial improprieties involving officials within the tribunal system that oversees citizenship matters in Assam.
Further specifics about the evidence collected during the investigation or whether additional individuals have been interrogated remain undisclosed.
Updates on the investigation and subsequent legal actions are anticipated.
Foreigners Tribunals serve as quasi-judicial entities responsible for assessing whether individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants qualify as foreigners, based on the relevant evidence and legal standards.