Two Armed Reserve SIs caught in Rs 1 lakh bribe trap by ACB in LB Nagar

Hyderabad: The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday caught two Armed Reserve Sub-Inspectors red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh to extend official favour in a cybercrime case under the Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate limits.

Bribe for notice instead of arrest

The accused officers, Pramod Goud and Jatavath Babu Naik, were working at the Cyber Crime Police Station in LB Nagar.

According to ACB officials, the duo allegedly demanded Rs 1 lakh from a complainant to issue a notice under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), instead of arresting him in a cybercrime case.

Section 35 of BNSS (earlier Section 41-A of CrPC) pertains to issuing notice for appearance before a police officer in cases where arrest may not be necessary.

While the bribe was allegedly demanded by both officers, it was accepted by Jatavath Babu Naik on behalf of himself and Pramod Goud.

Caught red-handed at LB Nagar Chowrastha

Acting on a complaint, ACB City Range-II officials laid a trap at LB Nagar Chowrastha on March 9. The tainted bribe amount of Rs 1 lakh was recovered from the possession of Jatavath Babu Naik at his instance.

ACB officials stated that the officers had misused their official position and performed their duties dishonestly to obtain an undue advantage.

Both accused officers were arrested and are being produced before the I Additional Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases, Nampally, for judicial remand. Further investigation is underway.

The identity of the complainant has been withheld for security reasons.

ACB helpline for public

The ACB has urged citizens to report any instances of bribery by public servants by contacting its toll-free helpline number 1064. Complaints can also be lodged through WhatsApp (9440446106), Facebook (Telangana ACB), and X (formerly Twitter) @TelanganaACB.

Officials assured that the identity of the complainants will be kept strictly confidential.