Gandhinagar Court Rejects Bail for Suspended CID Inspector in Bribery Scandal
A Gandhinagar sessions court has firmly denied regular bail to Pethabhai Patel, a suspended police inspector from the CID Crime unit, in a high-profile bribery case initiated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). This decision underscores the judiciary's stance on corruption within law enforcement.
Details of the Alleged Bribery Incident
Patel, along with armed police constable Vipul Desai, was apprehended by ACB officials on December 15, 2025, while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30 lakh. Since his arrest, Patel has remained incarcerated, with the court now rejecting his plea for release on bail.
The case centers on accusations that Patel and Desai initially demanded a staggering Rs 3 crore from the complainant, later negotiating down to Rs 30 lakh. This substantial sum highlights the severity of the alleged misconduct.
Court Proceedings and Arguments
During the bail hearing, Patel's defense argued that the investigation was complete, relying primarily on documentary evidence, and contended there was no risk of evidence tampering. However, the government pleader strongly opposed the bail, emphasizing the gravity of the bribery allegations.
Additional Sessions Judge P M Unadkat, after considering both sides, delivered a decisive ruling. The judge stated, "The applicant, who was discharging his duty as a police inspector with the CID Crime, demanded a huge amount of bribe and later accepted Rs 30 lakh in bribe. Considering such a serious allegation, it does not appear appropriate and justified to release the applicant on bail."
Implications and Broader Context
This case is part of ongoing efforts by authorities like the ACB to combat corruption in Gujarat. The denial of bail sends a clear message about the legal system's intolerance for such offenses, particularly when involving public officials entrusted with upholding the law.
Patel's continued detention pending trial reflects the court's assessment of the case's seriousness and the potential risks associated with granting bail. As the legal process unfolds, this ruling may influence similar cases involving corruption charges against police personnel.
