Delhi police ASI arrested for accepting bribe; throws money in air to destroy evidence, passersby flee with Rs 5,000

NEW DELHI: A Delhi police assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was arrested by the vigilance unit on Tuesday while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000, an official said.

During the raid, ASI Rakesh Kumar, posted at Hauz Qazi police station, threw the bank notes into the air in an attempt to destroy evidence, he added.

The complainant approached the Vigilance Branch at Barakhamba Road on Tuesday with a written complaint.

It alleged that Kumar, who was the division officer of the complainant’s area, had been demanding money to avoid implicating him in a false case.

The complainant informed vigilance officers that Kumar had called him to Hauz Qazi police station around 12.30 pm to hand over the bribe, the official said.

"The vigilance team laid a trap. They gave the complainant Rs 15,000 worth of bank notes treated with invisible powder. The complainant met Kumar outside the police station at the designated time and handed over the money. After receiving signal from the complainant, the vigilance team rushed to apprehend him," he said.

However, Kumar allegedly sensed the raid and threw the currencies into the air. Due to heavy public movement, some passersby scrambled to pick up the notes before the situation was brought under control.

Of the total amount, Rs 10,000 was recovered from the spot while Rs 5,000 could not be traced. A case has been registered and Kumar was arrested, the official said.

(With agency inputs)