Archive · 1 Aug 2025
HC Denies Bail to Officers in Himachal Scholarship Bribery Case
Two government officials, Vishal Deep from ED and Balbir Singh from CBI, were denied bail by the court.
They are accused of taking bribes to help people involved in a scholarship scam.
The court said they used secret apps and family cars in a plan to take money.
Although the officers said they didn't do it and had health problems, the court thought there was enough evidence to keep them in jail during the trial to make sure things are fair and no evidence is messed with.
Punjab and Haryana High Court denied bail to ED officer Vishal Deep and CBI's Balbir Singh.
The officers are accused of demanding and facilitating bribes in the Himachal Pradesh scholarship scam.
The court cited a 'premeditated and well-orchestrated conspiracy' involving the officers.
Bribes were allegedly demanded to prevent arrests in the scholarship scam investigation.
The court found evidence, including encrypted apps and vehicle traces, to support the prosecution's case.
- Who
- Vishal Deep (ED officer) and Balbir Singh (CBI Deputy SP)
- What
- Punjab and Haryana High Court denied bail to ED and CBI officers in a bribery case related to the Himachal Pradesh scholarship scam.
- When
- The court ruling occurred on Tuesday, according to one article, and the FIRs in the case were dated December 22, 2024.
- Where
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Why
- The court believed the allegations represented a grave abuse of power and that continued custody was needed to maintain the trial's integrity.
Accused's Arguments
Court's Reasoning
Evidence
Accused's Arguments
They argued that there was no direct recovery of money from them and the evidence was circumstantial.
Court's Reasoning
The court found sufficient evidence, including encrypted apps and vehicle traces, to support the prosecution's case.
Justification
Accused's Arguments
One accused claimed they were falsely implicated and the other cited health issues to seek bail.
Court's Reasoning
The court was unconvinced, stating Balbir Singh’s role “went beyond passive facilitation” and health was currently stable.
- Accused
- Vishal Deep, Balbir Singh
- Allegation
- Demanding and facilitating bribes
- Scam
- Himachal Pradesh scholarship scam
- Bail Denied By
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Evidence
- Encrypted apps, vehicle traces
- Bribe Amounts
- Rs 55 lakh and Rs 60 lakh
