In a dramatic anti-corruption operation that reads like a thriller novel, a senior police officer from Pune's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) found himself on the wrong side of the law. The officer was caught red-handed while accepting a massive bribe of ₹46.5 lakh, which was part of an even larger ₹2 crore extortion demand.
The Elaborate Sting Operation
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) executed a meticulously planned trap after a lawyer approached them with a shocking complaint. The EOW officer had allegedly demanded a staggering ₹2 crore to settle a case in the complainant's favor. What the corrupt officer didn't know was that his every move was being monitored by ACB officials.
Caught in the Act
The dramatic arrest unfolded when the officer accepted ₹46.5 lakh as the first installment of the demanded bribe. ACB teams, who had been surveilling the entire transaction, moved in immediately and apprehended the officer with the cash in his possession. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated anti-corruption efforts in tackling high-level corruption within law enforcement agencies.
Growing Concerns About Police Integrity
This incident has raised serious questions about corruption within police departments, particularly in specialized wings like the EOW that handle sensitive financial cases. The brazen nature of the ₹2 crore demand from a serving officer has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and among citizens concerned about institutional integrity.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine if this was an isolated incident or part of a larger corruption network within the department. The ACB is examining the officer's previous cases and financial transactions to uncover any patterns of similar behavior.
The successful operation serves as a strong warning to corrupt officials while reinforcing public faith in anti-corruption mechanisms. It also highlights the crucial role that vigilant citizens play in exposing corruption by coming forward to report such demands.
