The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Vadodara has arrested a private individual and a police inspector after a bribery trap linked to an alleged “Love Jihad” case. The accused are Police Inspector V. A. Charan of Padra Police Station and a middleman identified as Sajidali Ghulamrasul Saiyed.
The ACB said Saiyed was caught red-handed accepting ₹2 lakh, which was allegedly part of a larger ₹6 lakh bribe demand made to avoid legal action in a police case.
Alleged Threat of ‘Love Jihad’ Case Used for Extortion
According to the complaint, the incident began on April 9 when the complainant and a witness were taken to Padra Police Station following a dispute. During questioning, Inspector Charan allegedly warned that serious charges, including a “love jihad” case, could be filed.
Officials said the complainant was then directed to speak to Saiyed to “settle” the matter.
In his complaint, the victim alleged that money was demanded to prevent false implication. One of the statements attributed to the police side was that the case could be escalated unless payment was made.
A senior ACB official involved in the investigation said, “The complainant was told that legal action could be avoided if he contacted the intermediary and paid the demanded amount.”
Bribe Demand Reduced from ₹6 Lakh to ₹2 Lakh
Investigators said Saiyed initially demanded ₹6 lakh on behalf of the inspector. After negotiation, the amount was reduced to ₹2 lakh.
The complainant, unwilling to pay, approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint. Acting on this information, a trap was laid on April 16 near Akshar Chowk in Vadodara.
ACB Trap Catches Middleman Red-Handed
During the operation, Saiyed accepted the ₹2 lakh bribe in the presence of independent witnesses. ACB officials immediately arrested him and recovered the full amount from his possession.
An ACB officer said, “The accused was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe. He also contacted the inspector during the operation to confirm receipt of money.”
Officials added that Inspector Charan was allegedly coordinating the demand through the middleman to avoid direct involvement. However, he was not present during the trap and is currently absconding.
Case Registered Under Prevention of Corruption Act
A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigation is underway. The ACB has begun efforts to trace and arrest the missing police officer.
The case is being supervised by senior ACB officials from the Vadodara Rural unit, who confirmed that digital evidence and communication records are being examined.
