CBI’s Special Court has granted interim bail on medical grounds to CBI DSP Balbir Singh, accused in the Rs 55 lakh bribery case involving Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer Vishaldeep. Balbir Singh had filed a bail application in the court on February 24, which was accepted after hearing.
CBI had registered a corruption case on December 22, 2024, in which ED Assistant Director Vishaldeep, his brother Vikasdeep, cousin Neeraj and CBI DSP Balbir Singh were made accused. During the investigation, CBI recovered a bribe amount of Rs 54 lakh. Two FIRs were registered in the case, out of which a charge sheet has been filed in one.à
Balbir Singh’s lawyer KP Singh argued in the court that Balbir Singh is 56 years old and is suffering from many other serious diseases including coronary artery disease, triple vessel disease, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation. The lawyer told that Balbir has undergone heart bypass surgery in 2020 and kidney transplant in 2022. He is suffering from serious health problems and his life is in danger due to lack of proper treatment in jail
Balbir Singh has been advised by doctors to live in a clean environment, but his condition was continuously deteriorating in jail. His blood pressure and sugar level were becoming unbalanced, which was endangering his life. He needs to take insulin 4 times a day and follow a disciplined diet, which was not possible in jail. Apart from this, he also has to undergo various medical tests from time to time. Keeping all these aspects in mind, the court granted him interim bail.
This case is related to the alleged scholarship scam in Himachal Pradesh. ED officer Vishaldeep, who is investigating this scam, is accused of demanding bribe from 2 people. CBI has described DSP Balbir Singh as the mastermind of this entire episode.
Co-accused in this case Vikasdeep and Neeraj have also filed bail applications. Notice has been issued to CBI on March 13 for hearing on their petition. At present, Balbir Singh has got interim bail on medical grounds, but CBI investigation is going on. It remains to be seen what further steps are taken in the case and what decision the court takes on the bail plea of other accused.
