In a significant development highlighting the long arm of the law, the Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has formally registered a criminal case against two police constables and a Gram Rakshak Dal (GRD) member. This action comes a full four years after the alleged incident of bribery took place at a police checkpost in Kheda district.
Forensic Evidence Triggers Delayed Action
The wheels of justice were set in motion on Wednesday when the ACB filed an FIR based on a complaint dating back to April 17, 2021. According to officials, the case was registered only after a meticulous preliminary inquiry and, crucially, the forensic and technical verification of evidence preserved by the complainant.
"Since the complainant preserved electronic evidence, we conducted documentary, technical, and forensic verification before registering the offence," stated an ACB official. This careful process underscores the bureau's reliance on concrete proof in such sensitive matters.
The Alleged Extortion at Raliya Checkpost
The First Information Report (FIR) narrates an incident where a truck transporting wheat sacks from Modasa to Mumbai was intercepted at the Raliya police checkpost in Kheda. The accused personnel—identified as Ranjitsinh Zala (then an unarmed constable), Rajesh Baraiya (an armed constable), and Rajendrakumar Gadhvi (a GRD member)—all attached to the Kapadvanj rural police station, allegedly demanded to see the vehicle and cargo documents.
When the driver could not produce the papers immediately, the accused reportedly threatened to seize the truck and file a case. The initial demand was a staggering Rs 5 lakh to let the vehicle pass. After negotiations, this amount was allegedly bargained down, and a sum of Rs 90,000 was finally settled upon.
Digital Trail and Corroborative Proof
The modus operandi of the payment itself shows a mix of old and new methods. Officials revealed that Rs 80,000 was paid in cash through an angadia (courier) firm, while Rs 10,000 was transferred via a digital payment application.
The complainant's foresight proved to be the turning point. He had recorded conversations related to the demand and acceptance of the bribe on his mobile phone. "Forensic examination of audio recordings, along with technical and corroborative evidence, established the offence of demand and acceptance of illegal gratification," the investigating officer emphasized.
The ACB has stated that the accused acted in collusion, abused their official positions, and committed criminal misconduct as public servants. The investigation is now being supervised by D N Patel, the in-charge assistant director of the ACB's Ahmedabad unit.
