Prayagraj – A sub-inspector from Karchana police station in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, was caught red-handed accepting a ₹25,000 bribe on Friday evening, sparking outrage among locals and raising fresh concerns about corruption in law enforcement. The officer, identified as Abhinav Singh, was nabbed by the Anti-Corruption Organization (ACO) of Uttar Pradesh in a carefully planned sting operation. The incident has sent shockwaves through the department, with authorities now investigating the case to uncover any deeper patterns of misconduct.
The Sting Operation
The Anti-Corruption team acted on a tip-off from a local resident who alleged that Sub-Inspector Abhinav Singh had demanded ₹25,000 to settle a case. According to sources, the complainant approached the ACO after the officer pressured him for the bribe in exchange for favorable action in an ongoing investigation. Determined to catch the officer in the act, the ACO set up a trap.
On Friday, July 18, around 7:30 PM IST, the complainant met Singh at a designated location near Karchana police station. The ACO team, led by a senior officer, had provided the complainant with marked currency notes to use as evidence. As soon as Singh accepted the ₹25,000, the team swooped in, catching him red-handed. The marked notes were recovered from his possession, leaving no room for denial. A video of the arrest, which surfaced on social media, showed the officer being apprehended while visibly stunned.
The ACO confirmed the arrest in a statement posted on X at 14:06 IST on July 19, 2025, emphasizing their “zero-tolerance” policy toward corruption. They also shared their helpline number (9454402484) and email (aco@nic.in) for citizens to report similar incidents.
Background of the Case
While specific details about the case tied to the bribe are still under wraps, sources indicate it involved a local dispute where Singh was the investigating officer. The complainant, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly faced repeated demands for money to avoid harsher legal consequences. Frustrated by the coercion, he reached out to the ACO, which promptly verified his claims before setting up the operation.
This isn’t the first time a police officer in Uttar Pradesh has been caught in such a scandal. In recent years, the state’s Anti-Corruption Organization has cracked down on corrupt officials, with similar cases reported in Jhansi, Vaishali, and other districts. For instance, in Jhansi, an inspector was arrested for accepting a ₹15,000 bribe in a case related to a fight, highlighting a troubling pattern in the region.
Official Response and Next Steps
The ACO has registered a case against Sub-Inspector Abhinav Singh under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. He was taken into custody and is expected to be produced before a special anti-corruption court in Lucknow on Saturday. Authorities are also investigating whether Singh acted alone or if others at Karchana police station were complicit. A search of his residence and workplace is underway to uncover additional evidence.
The Prayagraj police department issued a brief statement, saying they are cooperating fully with the ACO and will take strict action based on the investigation’s findings. Senior officials have promised a thorough probe to ensure justice is served.
Broader Implications
This incident comes at a time when Uttar Pradesh is grappling with multiple high-profile corruption cases. Just months ago, a Central Goods & Service Tax inspector in Prayagraj was arrested for accepting a ₹10,000 bribe, signaling that corruption isn’t limited to the police force. The recurring nature of these incidents has put pressure on state authorities to implement stronger anti-corruption measures, including regular audits and stricter oversight of public servants.
The ACO’s helpline has seen a surge in calls since the arrest, with citizens encouraged to report any suspicious demands for bribes. “We’re committed to rooting out corruption at every level,” said an ACO spokesperson. “This arrest is just one step in a long fight.”
