Major Setback for Former MECON Senior Manager: Bail Rejected in Multi-Crore Bribery Case
Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has dealt a major blow to Upendra Nath Mandal, a former Senior Manager at the prestigious public sector undertaking MECON, by rejecting his regular bail plea. Mandal is accused of extending financial benefits worth crores of rupees to two private companies in violation of rules and accepting substantial bribes in return.
After failing to secure relief from the CBI court, the accused had moved the High Court seeking bail. After hearing detailed arguments from both sides, the court refused to grant bail, citing the gravity of the matter.
Case Dates Back to 2017
According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Upendra Nath Mandal abused his official position while serving as a Senior Manager at MECON in 2017. It is alleged that he entered into a criminal conspiracy with M/s Zeal India Chemicals and M/s Shiv Machine Tools, extending undue financial benefits worth crores to both companies by disregarding established rules. He is also accused of receiving hefty bribes in exchange for these favors.
Key Observations by the High Court
During the hearing, the High Court noted that evidence of substantial financial transactions in the accused's bank accounts had been found, yet he failed to provide a clear and satisfactory explanation for them.
The court also observed that rules were violated through the abuse of office; this not only resulted in financial irregularities but also threatened to impact the quality and progress of projects of national importance.
Bail Denied
Considering the seriousness of the case, the evidence presented by the CBI, and the potential impact on infrastructure projects of national significance, the Jharkhand High Court rejected Upendra Nath Mandal's bail plea. The accused will remain in judicial custody for the time being.
