The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday arrested two police officers attached to Wadala TT Police Station, including a senior inspector and a sub-inspector, for allegedly accepting bribes in connection with a community hall dispute case.
Trap laid by ACB
The arrested officers have been identified as Senior Police Inspector Chandrakant Sudhakar Sarode (52) and Police Sub-Inspector Rahul Ramesh Waghmode (37). According to officials, the two were caught in a trap laid by the ACB after they allegedly demanded money from a complainant to shield his daughter from being implicated in a criminal case.
The complainant, a 59-year-old man, alleged that the officers sought bribes to prevent his daughter from being named as an accused in a case registered in Thane by his rival group.
Demands and payments
Investigators said that PSI Waghmode allegedly demanded ₹50,000 for himself and ₹5 lakh for Sarode. During verification, he had already accepted ₹20,000 on September 10 and later took another ₹30,000.
On Friday, Sarode accepted the first instalment of ₹2 lakh out of the total ₹4 lakh he had agreed to take. Both officers were caught red-handed while accepting the bribe in the presence of panch witnesses.
Legal action initiated
Following the operation, the ACB registered a case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the two accused officers. Officials confirmed that further investigations are underway to determine whether the officers were involved in similar acts of misconduct in other cases.
Public reaction and significance
The arrests have once again brought attention to corruption within the police force. Residents and activists have lauded the ACB’s swift action, saying it reflects the importance of vigilance and accountability within law enforcement.
The case also underscores the challenges ordinary citizens face when dealing with disputes, where misuse of power by officials can tilt the scales of justice. The successful trap operation has given confidence to complainants that they can safely report instances of corruption.
Conclusion
With the ACB stepping in, the matter is now in the judicial domain. The arrests of two serving officers — one a senior inspector — highlight the ongoing need for strict oversight within the police force to ensure public trust is not eroded.