CRPF ex-DIG, two others get 3 years RI in 2009 constable recruitment scam

Lucknow: A special CBI court in Lucknow on Saturday sentenced a former deputy inspector general (DIG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and two other personnel to three years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) in a 2009 case related to irregularities in constable recruitment.The court also imposed a total fine of Rs 1.2 lakh on the ex-DIG Vinod Kumar Sharma, along with CRPF personnel Satyavir Singh and Tirath Pal Chaturvedi. According to the CBI, the case was registered on Feb 23, 2009, based on information indicating large-scale corruption in the recruitment of constables (general duty) in the CRPF. Investigations revealed that Sharma allegedly conspired with private middlemen to extract illegal gratification from candidates aspiring to join the force. He is accused of leaking confidential information regarding recruitment schedules and available vacancies in advance to these intermediaries. The middlemen would then approach prospective candidates, promising assured selection in exchange for hefty bribes. The racket undermined the integrity of the recruitment process. After a detailed probe, the CBI filed chargesheets against the accused on Nov 23, 2010, and July 16, 2012. The case proceeded to trial, during which the prosecution presented documentary and oral evidence. Upon completion of the trial, the CBI Court (West), Lucknow, found all three guilty. Officials said the judgment reinforces accountability in recruitment processes and sends a strong message against corruption within uniformed forces.