Fake arms deal: Ex-BJP Prez Bangaru gets 4 years jail term

New Delhi, Apr 28: Former

President Bangaru Laxman, on Saturday, Apr 28, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment and imposed with a fine of Rs 1 lakh by the

in fake arms deal case.

Earlier in the day, Bangaru had asked the special CBI Court for a minimum punishment since he was never involved in any such case before and had undergone bypass surgery twice.

The CBI counsel had sought for a punishment of five years for Laxman.

Bangaru was found guilty for accepting bribe of Rs 1 lakh under Section of prevention of corruption act. His lawyer said Bangaru would appeal in the High Court against CBI Court's order.

"Balancing the twin interest of society and that of the convict, I am of the opinion that interest of justice would be met, if the convict is sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a term of four years and to pay a fine of Rs one lakh for the offence under Section 9 of the Prevention of Corruption Act," said the judge of CBI Court.

"It is often said that the accomplice of the crime of corruption is generally our own indifference. 'Sab chalta hai' syndrome has led us to the present situation, where we are, where nothing moves without an illegal consideration. People are forced to pay for getting even the right things done at right time.

It is right time to shun "sab chalta hai" attitude. When Parliament, taking note of the grim situation, has taken first step to sternly deal with such persons by increasing the quantum of punishment which can be imposed, it is the turn of the court to follow suit, so as to implement the will and intention of the legislature by interpreting the provisions of the PC Act as per the dictates of the apex court," the judge added.

In 2001, Tehelka carried out “Operation Westend”, a sting operation that exposed the scandal in which Laxman was found accepting bribe for granting a contract to a fictitious Britain-based company M/s West End International for the supply of hand-held thermal imagers to the Indian Army. While, the Tehelka journalist posed as the representatives of the company, exposed the scandal.

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