CBI arrests a Special Metropolitan Magistrate

A Special Metropolitan Magistrate was today arrested by the CBI for allegedly demanding bribe of Rs 25,000 from a south Delhi shopkeeper by threatening to seal his shop.
CBI sources said R P Bhatia, Special Metropolitan Magistrate, Central Zone (Littering), South Municipal Corporation of Delhi (SMCD) was arrested from his office in Lajpat Nagar.
They said Bhatia had allegedly threatened to seal a ready made 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 in Lajpat Nagar.
The sources said during the meeting, Bhatia allegedly demanded Rs 60,000 for not sealing the shop and during 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.
CBI sources said last major arrest of a judge or a judiciary member was over a decade back when the agency had arrested a Delhi High Court judge in a corruption case.