It is always a disheartening moment when the people sworn to protect the law are the ones caught breaking it. We often hear about "Zero Tolerance" policies against corruption, but today in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, we actually saw it in action.A Sub-Inspector (SI) posted at the Safdarganj police station found himself on the wrong side of the law after being caught red-handed accepting a bribe. The officer, identified as Anup Kumar Mishra, had allegedly demanded ₹25,000 from a local resident.What was the deal?According to reports, the bribery demand was made in exchange for a favor in a police investigation. The complainant stated that the SI asked for the money to remove names from a case file—essentially selling justice for cash.However, the complainant decided not to give in to the pressure quietly. Instead of just paying up, they approached the Anti-Corruption Organization (ACO) in Lucknow and filed a formal complaint.The TrapThe Anti-Corruption team wasted no time. They set up a trap to catch the officer in the act. As planned, the complainant went to hand over the money. The moment the Sub-Inspector accepted the cash, the ACO team, which was lying in wait, swooped in and arrested him on the spot.A Strong MessageThis incident serves as a grim reminder of the corruption that still exists at the ground level, but it is also a sign of hope. The fact that citizens are now bold enough to report these demands, and that agencies are acting swiftly, sends a strong message to officials: no one is above the law.For the Sub-Inspector, a demand for ₹25,000 has likely cost him his reputation, his career, and his freedom. A case has now been registered, and further legal action is being taken.It’s a win for the system, but a sad day for the uniform.
Around the web
