Panchkula, Nov. 4 -- Observing that extortion of illegal gratification by a law enforcement officer severely erodes public confidence in the administration of justice and cannot be viewed leniently, a Panchkula court has dismissed the second regular bail plea of a Haryana Police sub-inspector accused of demanding a Rs.5,000 bribe to release an impounded vehicle.

Additional sessions judge Bikramjit Arora, while dismissing the bail application of Desh Raj on November 2, observed that a strong prima facie case of corruption had been made out against the serving police officer. The court also expressed apprehension that his release could lead to witness intimidation and evidence tampering, considering his departmental rank, local influence a...