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 and criminal antecedents. According to the prosecution, the complainant's vehicle was impounded at Police Post Sector 21 following a personal dispute on July 26. Despite a written compromise between the parties the next day, Desh Raj allegedly demanded Rs.5,000 to release the vehicle without issuing a heavy traffic challan. The complainant reportedly recorded the demand and approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Panchkula. During a trap operation on July 30, the accused allegedly dropped the tainted currency notes, concealed inside his police uniform cap. Rejecting the defence plea that further custodial interrogation was unnecessary, the court did not warrant bail....