The CBI on Tuesday arrested a Special Metropolitan Magistrate for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000 from a South Delhi shopkeeper by threatening to seal his shop.
CBI sources said RP Bhatia, Special Metropolitan Magistrate, Central Zone (littering), South Municipal Corporation of Delhi (SMCD) was arrested from his office at lajpat Nagar.
They said Bhatia had allegedly threatened to seal a readymade garment shop in the posh Alaknanda market of South Delhi during inspection on August 10 and had asked the owner to appear before him at his office at lajpat Nagar.
During the meeting with complainant shopkeeper, Bhatia allegedly demanded Rs 60,000 for not sealing the shop and after negotiations the bribe was purportedly reduced to Rs 25,000.
“The bribe was reduced to Rs 25,000 during negotiations. CBI laid a trap and the Special Metropolitan Magistrate was caught red handed while demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs 25,000 from the complainant,” CBI spokesperson said.
Following Bhatia’s arrest, the agency also conducted searches at his residence and the seized items are being scrutinised, sources added.