The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has busted a bribery racket involving police personnel in Solapur, who allegedly demanded massive sums to suppress an attempt to murder charge and PCPNDT Act violations.
- Two police constables and two private agents arrested by the Maharashtra ACB in Solapur.
- A bribe of ₹25 lakh was allegedly demanded to weaken an 'attempt to murder' case and avoid PCPNDT Act charges.
- The ACB trap caught two agents red-handed while accepting ₹5.5 lakh.
- The involved police personnel are currently absconding; a manhunt is underway.
In a staggering breach of public trust, the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has exposed a deep-seated corruption racket in Solapur. Two police constables and two private agents have been booked following allegations that they demanded a massive bribe to manipulate a criminal investigation involving an attempt to murder and violations of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.
The Genesis of the Crime: Illegal Sex Determination
The controversy traces back to an operation conducted by the Solapur police in the Akluj area. During a raid suspected of uncovering illegal prenatal sex determination tests, a doctor and his associates allegedly attempted to flee the scene by driving their vehicle into the police party. The doctor reportedly threatened to kill a police officer, leading to the registration of an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for attempt to murder.
BozokMedia Analysis: The Institutionalization of Bribery
BozokMedia analysis shows that such incidents highlight a dangerous trend where criminal elements use 'middlemen' to negotiate with law enforcement. When the very officials tasked with enforcing the PCPNDT Act—a crucial law for preventing female feticide—become part of the negotiation process, it signals a systemic failure in departmental oversight.
When the guardians of the law transform into negotiators for criminals, the foundation of justice begins to crumble.
According to the ACB, a license consultant filed a complaint alleging that Police Havaldar Anil Mahadev Shinde demanded ₹25 lakh on behalf of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Santosh Walke. The purpose of this bribe was to ensure that the attempt to murder FIR was not filed and to prevent the invocation of the stringent PCPNDT Act against the accused.
The ACB Sting Operation
The investigation intensified when the complainant revealed that Shinde had already accepted ₹10 lakh and was demanding the remainder. Acting on this, the ACB team, led by Deputy Superintendent Nita Misal, laid a strategic trap. On Friday afternoon, at approximately 2:30 PM, two agents—Aba Sawla Walkunde and Mahadev Pandhari Mane—were apprehended under a bridge on the Malshiras-Piliv road while accepting ₹5.5 lakh from the complainant.
| Accused Category | Name/Designation | Primary Allegation |
|---|---|---|
| Police Personnel | Anil Shinde & Rahul Wagh | Demanding/Accepting Bribes |
| Private Agents | Walkunde & Mane | Facilitating Illegal Transactions |
While the agents are in custody, the two police constables, Shinde and Wagh, remain at large. The ACB has confirmed that a search operation is underway to apprehend them. Furthermore, the agency is investigating the potential involvement of ACP Santosh Walke to determine the extent of the corruption network within the Solapur police department.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was the bribe demanded in this specific case?
The bribe was intended to suppress an 'attempt to murder' charge and to ensure that the accused were not prosecuted under the PCPNDT Act.
2. What is the current status of the police officers involved?
The two police constables are currently absconding, and the ACB is conducting raids to arrest them.
