PRAYAGRAJ, July 25 -- In an unusual scene during Janata Darshan at Sadar tehsil on Friday, an advocate placed a bundle of currency notes on the table of the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), alleging that a lekhpal had demanded a Rs.50,000 bribe to carry out a land measurement. The incident occurred while SDM (Sadar) Ankit Verma was hearing public grievances. Advocate Sunil Kumar alleged that he was pursuing a land measurement case on behalf of a client, Sikandar Yadav. As the land was allegedly affected by encroachment and activities of the land mafia, two lekhpals were assigned to conduct the survey. Kumar alleged that the two lekhpals demanded Rs.1 lakh for submitting their report. He claimed that as he could not arrange the entire amount, he paid Rs.50,000 near the district magistrate's office gate on Sunday. According to him, he received another phone call at 8.53 am on Friday demanding the remaining Rs.50,000. Placing a bundle of cash on the SDM's table during the hearing, he said, "If this is how the work gets done, I am paying the money here itself. Please get the work completed." Taking serious note of the allegation, SDM Verma immediately summoned the lekhpal concerned and sought an explanation. The lekhpal denied demanding any bribe and termed the allegations baseless.After hearing both sides, the SDM ordered an inquiry into the matter and said appropriate action would be taken based on its findings. He said strict action would be initiated if the bribery allegation was found to be true. Kumar said he had also submitted complaints to the divisional commissioner and the district magistrate....