In a shocking incident that underscores concerns over police integrity, a head constable was apprehended red-handed while accepting a bribe at a women's police station in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. The arrest was made by the state's anti-corruption body, Lokayukta, on Tuesday late evening.
The Complaint That Triggered the Sting
The case originated from a complaint filed by a man named Vishal Parmar with the Lokayukta's Superintendent of Police, Anand Yadav, on December 19. Parmar alleged that his wife, Archana, had lodged a complaint against him at the Dewas women's police station concerning assault and dowry demands. Following this, Head Constable Shaheen Khan, posted at the same station, began demanding a bribe of Rs 15,000 from Parmar. The money was demanded as a guarantee that no further action would be taken on his wife's complaint, effectively seeking to bury the case.
Lokayukta Springs into Action
Acting on the complaint, SP Lokayukta Anand Yadav directed Inspector Deepak Sejwar to verify the allegations. After confirmation, a plan was set to trap the accused constable. On Tuesday evening, the Lokayukta team sent Vishal Parmar to the women's police station with marked currency notes amounting to Rs 10,000—the sum allegedly negotiated for the illicit favor.
As per the plan, Parmar handed over the bribe money to Head Constable Shaheen Khan. The officer, reportedly without hesitation, accepted the cash and placed it in the pocket of her woollen coat. This act was the signal for the waiting Lokayukta team to move in. They immediately entered the premises and caught the constable in the act.
Bribe Money Seized, Case Registered
The anti-corruption officials then formally seized the tainted cash from the accused's coat pocket. The entire procedure was conducted in the presence of two independent witnesses, as mandated by protocol, to ensure the legality and transparency of the operation. Lokayukta DSP Dinesh Chandra Patel provided these details, confirming the successful execution of the sting.
This incident raises serious questions about misconduct within police stations, particularly those meant to be safe havens for women seeking justice. The Lokayukta's prompt action highlights the ongoing vigilance against corruption, even within the ranks of the law enforcement machinery tasked with upholding it. Further legal proceedings against the accused head constable are now underway.
