In a glaring instance of capitulation when the anti-corruption drive is at its peak across the country, the vigilance team released Additional District Government Counsel (ADGC) (criminal) Ashok Ubhan who was caught taking a bribe of Rs 5 lakh in new currencies after they arrested him on Tuesday in the wake of pressure put down by other lawyers.

Earlier, the State director, vigilance ADGP Ashok Kumar claimed that a vigilance team had arrested ADGC (criminal) Ashok Ubhan who was caught red- handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh at his chamber in the court campus. Accused Ubhan had allegedly sought the bribe from the complainant against clearing his case pending in the court.

However, as the news of the arrest spread other advocates, numbering around fifty, reached his chamber and alleged that Ubhan had been framed in a fabricated case as part of a conspiracy. Things went to the extent of the angry advocates releasing the accused released from the custody of the vigilance sleuths. Seeing things spiral out of control, additional police forces were rushed to the court campus.

A vigilance official rubbished the charge that the accused lawyer had been falsely implicated. “We have all the relevant documents in our possession that pinpoints his crime,” he said.  Director Vigilance Ashok Kumar said that a case under appropriate sections of IPC will be lodged against the advocates who had snatched the accused from their custody in Kotwali police station. Accused Ubhan will soon be arrested.

Sources said that complainant Vedprakash Gupta, resident of Dehradun, had registered a complaint regarding the same in vigilance office on December 1. Gupta, an accused of the case of allegedly securing a bail from the court after submitting forged documents, said that Ubhan had assured to wind up the case in lieu of Rs seven lakhs when he approached the senior government lawyer, apprehending indictment. However, the amount was finally reduced to Rs five lakh, the complainant said, adding that he was supposed to hand over the amount to the lawyer at the latter’s chamber on Tuesday.  

The complainant had meanwhile approached vigilance officer, Dehradun sector and registered a compliant over the same.

Acting on the complaint, a team led by vigilance inspector was formed. The vigilance team members drafted a plan to trap him. The accused was finally caught red- handed while taking the bribe. A case under appropriate sections of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered against the accused in Dehradun sector vigilance.

ADGP Kumar said that a toll free number – 1800-180-6666 has been set up and it is available for the people. People could also register complaint on What’s App number- 9456592300 if any government officials demand bribe against the works to be done, he added.