Maharashtra crime: ACB arrests additional public prosecutor over bribery in Palghar

Representational Pic/File

Maharashtra crime: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested an additional public prosecutor for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 7,000 from a policeman in Maharashtra's Palghar district, an official said, reported the PTI.

According to the ACB, the complainant was named in a case in 2015 and was acquitted this year. He then approached the police department for a promotion, as per the PTI.

IN PHOTOS: Supporters of Maratha Kranti Morcha protest outside Bhoiwada Police station

1 year agoPHOTO GALLERY

The news agency reported, to be considered for promotion, the complainant was required to submit a report from the additional public prosecutor, Sunil Sawant, regarding his acquittal, said Dayanand Gawade, deputy superintendent of police of ACB's Palghar unit, in a statement.

Sunil Sawant allegedly initially demanded amount of Rs 10,000 to issue the report and later brought it down to Rs 7,000 after negotiations, said the ACB, according to the PTI.

After being alerted by the complainant, the ACB laid a trap and arrested Sawant on Thursday while accepting the bribe, said the release, as per the PTI.

A case has been registered against the additional public prosecutor under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the release added.

Meanwhile, in an another incident, the Police in Maharashtra's Palghar district has arrested the leader of a gang that "raided" the home of a retired government official in Navi Mumbai and looted cash and valuables worth nearly Rs 35 lakh three months ago.

The PTI reported quoting officials that posing as Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials, six persons had barged into the complainant's home at Airoli on July 21 this year.

The gang carried out a "search" and walked away with cash and valuables worth Rs 34.85 lakh. They also allegedly threatened to kill the wife of the complainant, who earlier worked with the Public Works Department (PWD), if they resisted, the official said.

Following a complaint from the victim, the Rabale police registered a case for dacoity, criminal intimidation, personating a public servant and cheating under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Rajendra Kamble, senior inspector of Virar police station said the Navi Mumbai police arrested 11 persons in connection with the crime and was on the lookout for the mastermind, identified as Amit Varik (35).

Recently, the Navi Mumbai police got inputs that Varik was at Chandansar of Virar. With the help of the Virar police, they took Varik into custody on October 22, the official added.

(with PTI inputs)