₹5 Lakh Bribe: Keesara CI, SI Caught Red-Handed by ACB

Two police officials attached to Keesara Police Station under the Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate were caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while allegedly accepting a ₹5 lakh bribe, the agency said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the ACB, Sub-Inspector Gnanender Reddy allegedly demanded ₹5 lakh from a complainant and his friend, who were accused in a case. The demand was allegedly made in return for providing them station bail and ensuring that they would not face further harassment in connection with the case.

The ACB said the demand was made by the SI and that he subsequently accepted the money allegedly at the direction of Keesara Inspector and Station House Officer Arkapalli Anjaneyulu. Based on the complaint, ACB officials arranged a trap to catch the police personnel while the bribe was being handed over.

The trap was executed on September 16 at around 11.25 pm, when the SI was allegedly caught accepting the money. Officials recovered the entire ₹5 lakh in cash from his possession during the operation.

The anti-corruption agency said the alleged conduct involved an attempt to obtain an undue advantage by misusing official position. The officials were accused of acting improperly in the discharge of their duties and seeking an unlawful benefit in connection with the case involving the complainant and his friend.

The ACB is continuing its investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged bribe demand and the role of the police officials. The agency said both accused would be produced before the court as part of the legal proceedings.

The case has once again brought attention to the ACB's trap operations against public servants accused of demanding or accepting illegal payments while performing official duties. The agency said further action would follow based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

The ACB has not indicated that the investigation has concluded, and the allegations against the accused officials remain subject to the due process of law.