Jharkhand cop caught taking ₹50,000 bribe in Khunti human trafficking case
Synopsis
A Jharkhand police officer running the Women Police Station in Khunti was caught accepting ₹50,000 to remove an accused's name from a human trafficking and child labour case — the second such bribery arrest at the same station since 2021. The ACB sting exposes a troubling pattern of corruption at a unit meant to protect the most vulnerable.
Key Takeaways
Sulekha Kumari Sapna , officer in charge of Khunti Women Police Station , was arrested on 30 July by the ACB Ranchi unit .
She allegedly demanded ₹50,000 to remove an accused's name from a human trafficking and child labour case.
The complainant refused to pay and instead filed a complaint, leading to an ACB sting operation.
A case has been registered against her under the Prevention of Corruption Act ; she will be produced before a court after interrogation.
In 2021 , the station's then officer-in-charge Meera Kumari was also arrested by the ACB for bribery — making this the second such arrest at the same station.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)'s Ranchi unit on Thursday, 30 July arrested Sulekha Kumari Sapna, officer in charge of the Women Police Station in Khunti district, Jharkhand, after she was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of ₹50,000, according to officials. The arrest was made during a sting operation after a complainant refused to pay and instead approached the ACB.
What the Bribe Was For
According to ACB officials, Sulekha Kumari Sapna had allegedly demanded the ₹50,000 from a complainant in exchange for removing the name of an accused from a case involving human trafficking and child labour registered at the Women Police Station. She had also allegedly promised relief during the course of the investigation.
Rather than comply, the complainant filed a formal complaint with the ACB's Ranchi branch, triggering a preliminary verification that uncovered prima facie evidence supporting the allegations.
How the Trap Was Laid
Following the verification, the ACB set up a sting operation. On Thursday, the complainant met the officer and handed over the bribe money as agreed. ACB personnel deployed nearby in plain clothes immediately moved in and arrested her while she was allegedly in the act of accepting the cash.
After her arrest, Sapna was taken to the ACB headquarters in Ranchi for questioning and further legal proceedings. A case has been registered against her under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Officials said additional documents and other aspects of the case are also being examined.
A Troubling Pattern at Khunti Women Police Station
This is not the first time the Khunti Women Police Station has come under the ACB's scanner. In 2021, its then officer-in-charge, Meera Kumari, was also arrested by the ACB for allegedly accepting a bribe — making this the second such arrest at the same station in under four years. The pattern raises serious questions about institutional oversight at the unit, which is specifically mandated to protect vulnerable women and children.
What Happens Next
Upon completion of interrogation, Sapna will be produced before a competent court for custody. The ACB has reiterated its appeal to the public to report any demand for bribes by government officials, assuring that complaints will be investigated confidentially and action taken under the law.
Point of View
Children, human trafficking, and child labour has now produced two corruption arrests in under four years. The deeper question is not just individual culpability but why systemic oversight mechanisms failed to flag this station after the 2021 arrest. The ACB's sting worked because a complainant showed courage; the system should not depend on that alone.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Khunti Women Police Station bribery case?
Sulekha Kumari Sapna , the officer in charge of the Women Police Station in Khunti district, Jharkhand, was arrested by the ACB's Ranchi unit on 30 July after being caught accepting a bribe of ₹50,000.
Why was the bribe allegedly demanded?
According to ACB officials, Sapna allegedly demanded ₹50,000 from a complainant in exchange for removing the name of an accused from a human trafficking and child labour case registered at the Women Police Station, and for providing relief during the investigation.
How did the ACB catch the officer?
The complainant refused to pay the bribe and instead approached the ACB, which conducted a preliminary verification and laid a trap. On Thursday, the complainant handed over the money to the officer, and ACB personnel in plain clothes arrested her on the spot.
Has this happened before at Khunti Women Police Station?
Yes. In 2021, the station's then officer-in-charge, Meera Kumari, was also arrested by the ACB for allegedly accepting a bribe, making this the second such arrest at the same unit in under four years.
What legal action is being taken against Sulekha Kumari Sapna?
A case has been registered against her under the Prevention of Corruption Act. After interrogation at the ACB headquarters in Ranchi, she will be produced before a competent court for custody.
