Gujarat cop caught in ACB trap over bribe demand

Ahmedabad, Aug 4 (AHN) An unarmed police constable attached to the D-Staff of Vivekanandnagar Police Station in Ahmedabad Rural was caught by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday while allegedly accepting a Rs 6,000 bribe from a complainant after the latter approached the agency alleging an illegal demand.

The accused has been identified as Miturajsinh alias Montubhai Chudasama, an Unarmed Lok Rakshak (Police Constable), posted at Vivekanandnagar Police Station.

According to the ACB, the complainant said that he was not engaged in the business of selling country liquor. However, he would occasionally travel on a scooter with his cousin, Ajay, who is conducting bootlegging activities.

The complainant alleged that the accused police constable assumed that the complainant was also involved in the liquor trade and demanded money from him as well on that basis.

The complainant alleged that the constable demanded a monthly payment of Rs 12,000, claiming that the amount was meant as Rs 4,000 each for himself and two other police personnel in return for allowing unhindered movement through the Vivekanandnagar Police Station jurisdiction.

The complainant stated that he had already paid Rs 6,000 earlier and was asked to pay the remaining Rs 6,000 on August 4.

Unwilling to make the second payment, the complainant approached the Anand Anti-Corruption Bureau Police Station and lodged a complaint.

Acting on the complaint, the ACB organised a trap. During the operation, investigators alleged that the accused engaged in the agreed conversation with the complainant before accepting the remaining Rs 6,000.

He was apprehended immediately after allegedly receiving the money, and the amount was recovered by the ACB.

The alleged offence took place on the public road from Hathijan Circle towards Khatraj village, near the four-road junction at Badodara village in Daskroi taluka of Ahmedabad district.

The ACB has alleged that the constable misused his position as a public servant by demanding and accepting illegal gratification, amounting to criminal misconduct under the applicable anti-corruption laws.

The trap was carried out by R.N. Virani, Police Inspector at Anand ACB Police Station, along with his team.