Why Were a Delhi Police ASI and His Aide Arrested for a Rs 5,000 Bribe?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Corruption in Law Enforcement: This case illustrates the challenges of corruption within police departments.
- Role of Vigilance Units: Vigilance Units are crucial for investigating and curbing corrupt practices.
- Public Reporting: The importance of citizens reporting illegal activities cannot be overstated.
- Legal Consequences: The arrest of ASI Meena and Shakir demonstrates that corrupt practices can lead to legal repercussions.
- Importance of Integrity: Restoring public trust in law enforcement requires a commitment to integrity and accountability.
New Delhi, Sep 20 (NationPress) A Delhi Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and his associate were taken into custody for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 from an employee of a recruitment agency located in the Mehrauli area of south Delhi, according to a statement from the Vigilance Unit on Saturday.
ASI Pappu Ram Meena, stationed at the Mehrauli police station, along with Mohd. Shakir, a private individual, was apprehended while receiving the bribe on Thursday. The bribe was purportedly in exchange for the release of a vehicle belonging to the complainant, which had been allegedly seized unlawfully by the officer, the official reported.
Shakir, who resides locally in Mehrauli near the LIC Office, acted as a middleman to facilitate the bribe, as stated by the police.
The incident began on September 10 when the complainant, a Neb Sarai resident working for a recruitment and placement agency, reported to the Vigilance Branch that his two-wheeler had been illegally taken to the Mehrauli police station by ASI Meena.
The employee claimed that ASI Meena had demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 for the bike's release.
According to the complainant, the vehicle had been seized following a minor altercation with a property dealer on September 10.
During this dispute, a PCR call about an argument involving the complainant was received at the Mehrauli police station, leading to ASI Meena being assigned the case for a preliminary inquiry, as outlined in the statement.
Meena concluded the call with the remark 'enquiry closed'. However, after his investigation, he took the complainant's bike from his home by forcibly breaking its lock.
ASI Meena's demand for a bribe of Rs 10,000 for the bike's release was detailed in the complainant's report.
Following the filing of the complaint, the Vigilance Unit set up a trap at the Mehrauli police station. ASI Pappu Ram Meena directed the complainant to deliver the initial installment of the bribe, Rs 5,000, to Shakir.
On Friday, the Vigilance team arrested both Shakir and ASI Meena, recovering the bribe money from the officer.
An FIR No. 20/2025 was registered under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and 308 (2)/3 (5) BNS by the Vigilance police station on Friday.