Thane, Mar 1 (PTI) - A police constable and his aide have been arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a man to permit him to sell narcotics in Maharashtra’s Thane district. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested Pandurang Sagle (34), a constable with the Tulinj police station, and the vendor who accepted the bribe on his behalf on Friday, according to Inspector Vijay Kawle of Thane ACB.
The accused constable allegedly demanded Rs 50,000 from the complainant each month for allowing him to sell mephedrone. The man approached the Thane ACB, after which a trap was laid, and the duo was caught. Inspector Kawle said, "The accused constable allegedly demanded Rs 50,000 from the complainant each month for allowing him to sell mephedrone." This incident has surfaced as part of the broader issue of corruption within police ranks.
Meanwhile, another officer, identified only as a 34-year-old sub-inspector stationed at Bhiwandi police station, was arrested on charges of accepting bribes as well. He had initially demanded Rs 80,000 from the complainant, promising not to implicate him in an attempt to murder case. When the complainant refused to pay, the officer lowered his demand to Rs 25,000, leading the complainant to alert the ACB.
The ACB conducted a sting operation, leading to the sub-inspector’s arrest as he accepted Rs 10,000 from the complainant on Saturday. This officer has also been charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Deputy Superintendent of Police, ACB Thane, Madhavi Rajekumbhar, confirmed the operation, stating, "Strict action will be taken against corruption within the police force." The ACB's continuous efforts aim to tackle corrupt practices and restore public confidence.
Officials are urging the community to report instances of bribery and corruption, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability. The Prevention of Corruption Act prescribes strict penalties for public servants found guilty of accepting bribes, which include considerable fines and potential imprisonment.
Both cases are indicative of the persistent issues of corruption within Indian law enforcement. These incidents not only harm public trust but also undermine the integrity of police work, emphasizing the need for accountability at all levels of law enforcement.
Overall, these arrests by the ACB reflect greater scrutiny on police corruption and the agency's resolve to combat illicit activities among its ranks. Such actions are pivotal as they cultivate public awareness and encourage individuals to step forward against corruption, bolstering the effectiveness of the law enforcement system.