A shocking case of administrative negligence and systemic corruption has emerged from the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, causing immense distress to ordinary citizens. A court reader, who was previously apprehended by the Lokayukta police for taking bribes, was inexplicably reinstated into a highly sensitive position at the Chitrangi Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Court. Instead of facing strict disciplinary action, the official allegedly utilized his new posting to run an extortion racket, exploiting helpless litigants under the pretext of influencing court verdicts.
Fresh Extortion Allegations and the Victims
The accused, identified as reader Ravindra Ghosi, is now at the center of a fresh controversy after two separate individuals filed formal complaints accusing him of extorting a combined sum of 90,000 rupees. The first complainant, Nandlal Jaiswal, alleged that Ghosi demanded and took 40,000 rupees by threatening to dismiss his appeal and promising a favorable ruling if the money was paid. The second complainant, Imamuddin, was allegedly coerced into paying 50,000 rupees under similar circumstances regarding an ongoing court case. In both instances, the decisions went against the complainants, and when they demanded their money back, Ghosi refused, issued threats, and kept delaying them.
Past Corruption Record of the Accused
This is not the first time Ravindra Ghosi has faced severe corruption charges. He was previously stationed at the Land Acquisition branch of the Baidhan Collectrate, where a team from the Lokayukta trapped him red-handed while accepting a bribe of 50,000 rupees. Despite this high-profile arrest, the administration chose to reward him with a highly influential position at the Chitrangi SDM court, raising serious doubts about the integrity of the department's oversight and posting policies.
Administrative Failure Under Severe Scrutiny
The scandal has sparked widespread anger among local residents and raised tough questions for the district administration. Critics are questioning why a tainted official was allowed to manage sensitive judicial files and interact with the vulnerable public. Furthermore, despite being officially transferred to Sagar, Ghosi managed to stay back in Chitrangi for an extended period, leading to suspicions of high-level political or bureaucratic patronage protecting him from displacement.
Official Inquiry Initiated by the Additional Collector
Following the public outrage and formal complaints, the Additional Collector has intervened, summoning both the complainants and the accused clerk to initiate a formal investigation. While administrative officials assure that strict legal action will be taken if the charges are proven, the local population remains highly skeptical, waiting to see if real accountability will be established or if the matter will be brushed under the carpet with a minor disciplinary rap on the wrist.
