Sabarkantha: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Gujarat on Thursday nabbed a police constable red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹1 lakh in Khedbrahma.

The accused, Vikas Kumar Hasmukhbhai Patel (Unarmed Police Constable, Buckle No. 725), posted at Khedbrahma Police Station, had allegedly demanded ₹1.65 lakh from a former liquor bootlegger in exchange for the return of three Activa scooters that were detained by the Special Operations Group (SOG) on May 17, 2025.

According to the ACB, the complainant had previously operated an illicit liquor business in the Khedbrahma area but shut it down in November 2024. However, the SOG had detained three Activa scooters belonging to the complainant and two associates. Though court fines were paid and the matter was settled legally, the accused constable reportedly withheld the keys and RC books of the seized vehicles, demanding payment of pending dues (hafta).

When the complainant approached the police inspector for assistance, he was told to “settle the account with Vikasbhai” in order to get the vehicles released. Later, the complainant repeatedly pleaded with the accused to return the three vehicles, but the constable allegedly insisted on receiving ₹1.65 lakh. He told the complainant that the vehicles would only be released upon payment of the bribe, of which ₹1 lakh was to be paid on June 19.

Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB, which then set up a trap. During the operation, the accused was caught accepting ₹1 lakh in cash in the parking area outside the police station compound. The entire amount was recovered from him on the spot. The ACB has launched a further investigation into the matter. DeshGujarat