Mumbai ACB Nabs Two Police Officers in High-Profile Bribery Case
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Mumbai executed a decisive operation on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of two police officers from the Kurar police station. Senior inspector Sanjeev Tawde and sub-inspector Dyaneshwar Jutre were apprehended while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from an advocate, marking a significant crackdown on corruption within law enforcement.
Details of the Bribery Allegations and Complainant's Ordeal
According to official reports, the case originated from a 35-year-old complainant who found himself entangled in legal troubles. An applicant had filed a financial fraud complaint against him, while his transgender brother lodged a separate complaint alleging sexual exploitation. The complainant asserted that Tawde summoned him to the police station and demanded a Rs 3 lakh bribe to avoid legal action. Initially, the complainant paid Rs 2 lakh, hoping to resolve the matter.
However, the situation escalated when, on February 2, sub-inspector Jutre allegedly demanded the remaining Rs 1 lakh through the complainant's representative. This payment was purportedly intended to settle both cases definitively. Unwilling to succumb to further extortion, the complainant took a bold step and approached the ACB office on February 3 to file a formal complaint.
ACB's Swift Action and Evidence Seizure
Upon verification of the complaint, the ACB swiftly laid a trap on Wednesday. During the operation, Jutre was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting the Rs 1 lakh bribe. In subsequent searches conducted by ACB officials, substantial evidence was uncovered, including Rs 6.3 lakh in cash and three mobile phones. Additionally, searches were initiated at the residences of both accused officers to gather further proof and assets linked to the case.
Context of Previous Corruption Cases in Mumbai Police
This incident is not isolated in Mumbai's law enforcement landscape. Last year, the ACB arrested senior inspector Chandrakant Sarode (52) and sub-inspector Rahul Waghmode (37) of the Wadala Truck Terminal police station in a bribery case connected to a community hall dispute. In another notable case, senior inspector Baburao Deshmukh of Shivaji Nagar police station was caught allegedly accepting a Rs 1 lakh bribe. These repeated instances highlight ongoing challenges in combating corruption within the police force.
The ACB's latest arrest underscores its commitment to rooting out malpractice and ensuring accountability. As investigations proceed, authorities are expected to delve deeper into the financial dealings and potential misconduct of the accused officers. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to maintain integrity in public institutions.
