Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
A sessions court has sentenced former police constable Yamaji Laxman Khatane (57), a resident of Renukanagar in the Garkheda area, to four years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 for accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 during the Covid lockdown. The order was passed on Friday by sessions judge S.K. Kulkarni.
The incident
According to the complaint filed by a 36-year-old plumber, he had purchased 10 large packets each of tobacco and pan masala during the lockdown to sell to shopkeepers, as his regular work had stopped. While selling the products in the Indiranagar area, two men on a motorcycle stopped him near Punjabhai Chowk and took him to the Shivajinagar police outpost, stating that the sale of tobacco was banned.
Police seized the tobacco and pan masala packets along with Rs 40,000–Rs 42,000 in cash, including Rs 35,000 brought for a savings contribution and Rs 5,000–Rs 7,000 from sales. The complainant was also made to sign two documents.
Demand for bribe
Constable Khatane allegedly demanded Rs 15,000 to help in the case and threatened to arrest the complainant and send him to Harsul jail if the money was not paid. Later, he called the complainant and asked him to bring the money, two photographs and an Aadhaar card to the outpost.
The complainant then approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Acting on the complaint, ACB officials laid a trap and caught Khatane red-handed while accepting the Rs 15,000 bribe. A case was registered at Jawaharnagar police station.
Trial and verdict
After the investigation, ACB police inspector Mahadev Dhakane filed the charge sheet in court. During the trial, assistant public prosecutor Anil Hivarale examined the witnesses.
The court convicted Khatane under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and awarded the sentence. If the fine is not paid, he will have to undergo an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment. ACB inspector Keshav Dinde and constable B.H. Thorat assisted in the prosecution.