Category: Crime

TADIPATRI, ANDHRA PRADESH (Friday, March 27, 2026) — In a high-stakes pursuit, the Tadipatri Police opened fire on Friday to arrest Sarvesh Kumar, the prime suspect in the brutal kidnapping and murder of a five-year-old boy. The encounter occurred when the accused allegedly attacked the police team with a concealed weapon in a desperate bid to escape custody during a search operation.

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The Crime: A Brutal End to a Kidnapping

The case began on Wednesday, March 25, when five-year-old Hemachandra, a student at a private school in Yadiki, failed to return home.

• The Victim: Hemachandra (5), son of Boya Govindu and Lakshmi Kanthamma, residents of Konuppalapadu village.
• The Discovery: Following a frantic search by parents and special police teams, shepherds discovered the boy’s body on Thursday morning at the Kundanakota hillock in Yadiki mandal.
• The Motive: Preliminary investigations suggest a long-standing family dispute between the boy’s father and the accused, Sarvesh Kumar, who is reportedly a close relative.
• Modus Operandi: Police stated the child was strangled and subsequently bludgeoned with boulders to ensure his death before being dumped in the hilly terrain.

The Encounter and Arrest

Following the discovery of the body, the Anantapur police launched a manhunt for Sarvesh Kumar. On Friday, tracking leads to the Tadipatri area, a police team intercepted him.

• Attempted Flight: When cornered, Kumar allegedly lunged at a police officer and attempted to flee into a nearby wooded area.
• Police Action: In self-defense and to prevent the escape of a high-risk offender, the police opened fire, injuring the accused in his lower limb.
• Medical Status: Kumar was immediately shifted to a local government hospital under heavy guard; his condition is reported to be stable.

Timeline of the Case

Date	Event	Status
Mar 25, 2026	Hemachandra kidnapped while returning from school in Yadiki.	Missing Report Filed
Mar 26, 2026	Body discovered at Kundanakota hillock; bludgeoned with boulders.	Murder Case Registered
Mar 27, 2026	Sarvesh Kumar cornered in Tadipatri; police open fire.	Accused in Custody

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Sources

• The Times of India: “Five-year-old kidnapped boy found murdered near Kundanakota hillock in Anantapur district” (March 27, 2026).
• Press Trust of India (PTI): “Andhra Police open fire on man accused of kidnapping, murder” (March 27, 2026).

In a devastating incident reported on Saturday, March 14, 2026, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl was killed after being run over by a speeding truck in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh. The accident, which occurred on Friday afternoon in Bamhauri village, has sparked local outrage due to the sheer negligence of the driver and the harrowing aftermath witnessed by bystanders.

The victim was walking along the roadside with her mother when the heavy vehicle, reportedly traveling at high speed, struck her. According to Kotwali Police Station in-charge Shafeeq Khan, the driver was apprehended shortly after the incident as he attempted to flee the scene.

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The Incident: A Mother’s Grief

The accident took place approximately 20 km from the district headquarters. Witnesses described a scene of profound trauma following the collision:

• The Collision: The toddler was crushed instantly under the wheels of the truck.
• The Aftermath: Heart-wrenching footage and eyewitness accounts emerged of the mother being forced to gather the mutilated remains of her child from the asphalt using a polythene bag.
• Local Response: Enraged residents briefly blocked the road, demanding stricter enforcement of speed limits for heavy vehicles passing through residential village zones.

Police Action & Legal Status

The Kotwali police arrived on the scene to pacify the crowd and take custody of the vehicle.

Action	Status
Driver Custody	The truck driver has been arrested and the vehicle impounded.
Charges	A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing death by negligence.
Medical Procedure	The remains were sent for a post-mortem examination before being handed over to the family for final rites.

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Road Safety in Rural Madhya Pradesh

The accident highlights a recurring issue with heavy vehicle transit through narrow village roads in Mandla.

1. Speed Regulation: Villages like Bamhauri often lack speed breakers or “Go Slow” signage, despite being on active trucking routes.
2. Pedestrian Vulnerability: Lack of dedicated footpaths forces mothers and children to walk on the edge of the motorway, inches from heavy traffic.
3. Recent Trends: Mandla has seen a rise in “hit-and-run” or speeding incidents involving commercial trucks moving between the mineral-rich belts of MP and Chhattisgarh.

[Image: A map showing the location of Bamhauri village on the Mandla-Jabalpur highway, highlighting the lack of traffic calming measures in the residential zone.]

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Key Takeaways

• Negligent Driving: Initial reports suggest the truck was well above the prescribed speed limit for a village crossing.
• Immediate Arrest: Quick action by the Mandla police prevented the driver from escaping, which often leads to “cold cases” in rural accidents.
• Community Trauma: The graphic nature of the accident has led to calls for counseling for the family and witnesses who were present.

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Sources

• Press Trust of India (PTI): Speeding truck runs over toddler in MP’s Mandla district; driver held, March 14, 2026.
• The Week: MP: Toddler crushed by truck; driver arrested in Mandla, March 14, 2026.
• Local News Bureau (Mandla): Accident Report: Bamhauri Village Fatality, March 13, 2026

In a major anti-corruption sweep, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a high-ranking woman official from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) Certificate Scrutiny Committee on Friday, March 13, 2026. The official was caught red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹2.5 lakh to expedite the verification of caste certificates for a local resident’s family.

The arrest took place at the committee’s Konkan Division office in the Charai area of Thane. This marks the latest in a series of “trap” operations by the ACB Raigad-Alibag unit targeting administrative bottlenecks in the caste verification process.

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The Accused & The Demand

The operation targeted a Class 1 officer responsible for the final research and verification of tribal status claims.

• The Accused: Meenakshi N. Unhale (46), Deputy Director (Research) of the ST Certificate Scrutiny Committee, Konkan Division.
• The Victim: A local man who had applied for the mandatory caste verification of his wife and daughter.
• The “Clearance Fee”: Unhale allegedly demanded ₹2.5 lakh to “clear the files” and issue the validity certificates, which are essential for education and employment benefits under the ST category.

The ACB Trap Operation

Phase	Action Taken
The Complaint	The applicant, refusing to pay the illegal gratification, approached the ACB Raigad-Alibag unit.
Verification	Officials verified the bribe demand through discrete surveillance and a recorded conversation.
The Sting	A trap was laid on Friday afternoon in Unhale’s private cabin at the Charai office.
The Arrest	She was apprehended by a team led by DSP Sarita Bhosale as soon as she accepted the marked currency.

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Understanding the Scrutiny Committee (STCSC)

The Scheduled Tribes Certificate Scrutiny Committee is a quasi-judicial body tasked with a critical gatekeeping role:

1. Genuineness Check: Verifying that applicants actually belong to the tribal communities listed in the Constitution.
2. Affinity Test: Conducting field visits and anthropological research to ensure the family follows tribal traditions.
3. The “Validity” Mandate: Without a validity certificate from this committee, an ST certificate issued by a Tehsildar is often considered incomplete for professional use.

[Image: A flowchart showing the journey of a caste certificate from the Tehsildar Office → Scrutiny Committee (STCSC) → Issuance of Validity Certificate.]

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Key Takeaways

• Class 1 Arrest: The involvement of a Deputy Director-level officer highlights the depth of corruption in departments managing social welfare benefits.
• Unit Coordination: The operation was executed by the Raigad unit within Thane jurisdiction, showcasing the ACB’s flexible operational range.
• Legal Action: A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Unhale is expected to be produced before a special court for remand on Saturday, March 14.

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Sources

• Press Trust of India (PTI): ST scrutiny panel officer held for taking Rs 2.5 lakh bribe, March 14, 2026.
• Rediff News: Maharashtra Official Nabbed for Allegedly Taking Bribe in Thane, March 14, 2026.
• Lokmat Times: ACB Raigad Unit Traps Deputy Director in Thane office, March 13, 2026.

In a major breakthrough, the Palghar Police arrested three men on Saturday, March 14, 2026, for an attempted midnight break-in at a jewellery store in the Naigaon area. The suspects, who were operating out of Mumbai, were intercepted on Ghodbunder Road in Thane following a meticulous investigation involving CCTV analysis from hundreds of cameras and technical intelligence.

The incident occurred during the intervening night of March 4 and March 5, 2026, but the group was forced to flee when their attempt to breach the store’s security failed to yield immediate results.

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The Investigation: Tracking the “Tourist Vehicle”

Following the botched heist, Pournima Chougule-Shringi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2, Vasai), formed two dedicated teams to track the perpetrators.

• CCTV Trail: Investigators scanned footage from the Naigaon and Vasai-Virar belt, identifying a specific tourist vehicle that was spotted idling near the store during the time of the crime.
• Technical Surveillance: Technical inputs and mobile tower data helped police trace the vehicle’s movement toward Thane city.
• The Interception: Acting on a tip-off that the suspects were traveling toward Ghodbunder Road, police laid a trap and intercepted the vehicle, leading to the successful apprehension of all three accused.

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The Accused: A Mumbai-Based Trio

The three arrested individuals are residents of neighbouring Mumbai and are currently being interrogated for potential involvement in other unsolved burglaries in the Palghar and Thane districts.

Name	Age	Residence
Shafiq Lalan Ansari	36	Mumbai
Mehboob Jani Syed	20	Mumbai
Shakir Sajid Sheikh	22	Mumbai

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Pattern of Jewellery Crimes in Palghar

This arrest comes amidst a string of similar incidents targeting high-value assets in the region:

• January 2026: Palghar Police arrested two men for a ₹3.5 lakh “gold polishing” scam targeting a senior citizen in Boisar.
• January 2025: A massive ₹71 lakh robbery at a Vasai jewellery store was solved after police analyzed footage from 600 CCTV cameras, eventually nabbing five individuals across two states.

[Image: A map showing the transit route from Naigaon to Ghodbunder Road, highlighting the technical surveillance points used by the Vasai-Virar police.]

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Key Takeaways

• Preventive Policing: The suspects were caught before they could attempt another heist, as they were still using the same vehicle for their movements.
• Inter-District Coordination: The successful arrest in Thane by Palghar’s Zone 2 teams highlights efficient cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
• Legal Action: A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for house-breaking and attempt to commit theft.

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Sources

• Press Trust of India (PTI): Three held for theft bid at jewellery store in Palghar, March 14, 2026.
• Devdiscourse: Trio Nabbed After Foiled Heist in Maharashtra’s Palghar, March 14, 2026.
• Rediff News: Jewellery Store Heist Foiled: Three Arrested in Maharashtra, March 14, 2026.

In a major security operation on Friday evening, March 13, 2026, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Haryana Police intercepted and arrested three individuals in the Barara area of Ambala. The suspects were found in possession of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weighing approximately 2 kg, which officials suspect contains high-grade RDX. The timely intervention by the STF is believed to have averted a significant tragedy in the region, which remains on high alert due to its proximity to sensitive military installations like the Ambala Air Force Station.

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The Interception on Barara-Sadhaura Road

Acting on specific intelligence, the STF team, led by DSP Aman Kumar and In-charge Parteek Kumar, executed a tactical blockade to catch the suspects in transit.

• The Tip-off: Intelligence suggested three men on a motorcycle were transporting lethal material from Barara toward Ambala City.
• The Operation: Police sealed the Barara-Sadhaura road (also reported as Barara-Dosarka road), halting all civilian vehicular movement and diverting traffic to alternative routes.
• The Arrest: The suspects, traveling on a motorcycle belonging to one of the accused, were intercepted at a specialized barricade. A subsequent search of their bag revealed the 2 kg IED.

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Suspect Profiles & Backgrounds

The arrested individuals are aged between 20 and 25 years and represent a cross-state link that investigators are now scrutinizing for ties to extremist modules.

Name	Origin	Role/Status
Ali Akbar	Ajmer, Rajasthan	Under interrogation for inter-state links.
Anas	Meerut, Uttar Pradesh	Under interrogation regarding the source of explosives.
Jangveer	Barara, Ambala (Haryana)	Local contact; owner of the motorcycle used in the crime.

The Explosive Material

The recovered device was a sophisticated IED. While forensic results are pending, preliminary assessments by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) suggest the presence of RDX, a powerful military-grade explosive.

• Nature: Black-colored explosive material, consistent with the appearance of RDX.
• Status: The device has been successfully neutralized and disposed of by the BDS to ensure public safety.
• Testing: Samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to determine the exact chemical composition.

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Investigation: The “Sleeper Cell” Angle

Authorities are currently investigating whether these three youths were acting as “carriers” for an established terror network or a newly formed sleeper cell.

1. Origin of the IED: Police are tracing the supply chain, specifically looking at recent drone drops from across the border, a method previously used in the Ambala-Punjab sector.
2. Target Analysis: Mobile records and GPS data from the suspects’ phones are being analyzed to identify potential targets, including government buildings or crowded public spaces.
3. Cross-State Coordination: The diverse origins of the trio (UP, Rajasthan, Haryana) suggest a coordinated effort managed by an external handler.

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Key Takeaways

• Major Tragedy Averted: The 2 kg quantity is sufficient to cause mass casualties and structural damage.
• High Alert: Security has been tightened at the Ambala Cantonment and Air Force Station following the recovery.
• Legal Action: The suspects will be produced in court on Saturday, March 14, where the STF will seek long-term remand for custodial interrogation.

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Sources

• The Tribune: IED seized, 3 arrested in Ambala, March 14, 2026.
• United News of India (UNI): Security forces arrest three with suspected RDX in Ambala, March 13, 2026.
• NDTV Profit: Major Tragedy Avoided? Trio with Explosives Nabbed, March 13, 2026.
• Aaj Tak: Ambala News: RDX suspected in 2kg explosive seizure, March 13, 2026.

In a major embarrassment for the capital’s law enforcement, the Delhi Police arrested one of its own constables on Friday, March 13, 2026, for allegedly operating a sophisticated forgery racket. The constable, along with a civilian accomplice, was found generating fake Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs)—essential documents for passports, visas, and employment—using forged stamps of senior police officials.

The operation was uncovered by the Southeast District’s Narcotics Unit during a separate probe into MDMA trafficking, revealing a dark intersection between document forgery and drug distribution.

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The Profile of the Accused

The racket was led by an “insider” who leveraged his knowledge of police protocols to mimic official documentation.

• Constable Arun (27): A 2017-batch personnel posted at the Shaheen Bagh Police Station. Originally from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, he joined the force on compassionate grounds.
• Tushar (Accomplice): A resident of Pilkhuwa, UP, and a former “Police Mitra” (community volunteer). He was found in possession of a fake Delhi Police ID card used to impersonate an officer.
• The Location: The duo operated from a high-end rented flat in Sunlight Colony, paying ₹35,000 per month, which they used as a base for both their narcotics and forgery businesses.

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The Modus Operandi: Speed over Security

A genuine PCC is a rigorous process involving the Special Branch and ground-level verification. The accused bypassed this entirely for a fee.

Feature	Official Process	The “Constable Arun” Racket
Duration	10–15 Days	Few Hours
Verification	Physical & database checks by Special Branch.	None; instantly generated.
Cost	₹10 (Official Govt Fee)	₹1,000 to ₹2,000
Authenticity	Digital watermark & verifiable QR code.	Forged stamps of SHOs from Delhi & Ghaziabad.

[Image: A comparison layout showing an official digital PCC versus the forged hardcopies and stamps recovered during the raid.]

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The Narcotics Connection

The forgery ring was exposed only after the arrest of a drug trafficker named Ashish, who was caught with 18 grams of MDMA.

• The Raid: Following Ashish’s lead, police raided the Sunlight Colony flat and were shocked to find a serving constable (Arun) living with the drug suspect.
• The “Drug-Pay” Link: Investigators found evidence that payments for narcotics were being routed through Constable Arun’s mobile phone.
• The Foreign Link: A foreign national from Uzbekistan was also found at the residence; her role in the trafficking or forgery ring is currently under investigation.

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Key Takeaways

• Identity Forgery: Over hundreds of fake PCCs are suspected to have been issued, potentially allowing individuals with criminal records to secure visas or sensitive jobs.
• Institutional Crackdown: Two separate FIRs have been registered at the Sunlight Colony Police Station covering narcotics, forgery, and criminal impersonation.
• Vulnerability Exposed: The case highlights how “Police Mitras” (volunteers) can gain enough system knowledge to facilitate serious criminal enterprises if not properly vetted.

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Sources

• Hindustan Times: Delhi Police constable arrested for distributing fake PCCs, March 13, 2026.
• The Times of India: Constable, aide held for running fake police clearance certificates racket, March 13, 2026.
• Press Trust of India (PTI): Delhi Police Official Briefing on Sunlight Colony Raid, March 13, 2026.

A violent altercation in Northwest Delhi’s Wazirpur area turned fatal on Thursday evening, March 12, 2026, leaving one man dead and another fighting for his life. Following a frantic PCR call received by the Bharat Nagar Police Station, four individuals were apprehended within hours of the incident. The clash, which reportedly broke out over a petty argument near Pathwari Park, has underscored rising concerns regarding spontaneous street violence in the capital’s industrial and residential pockets.

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The Incident: From Argument to Assault

The altercation escalated rapidly when a group of men confronted the victims in a public park.

• The Conflict: An argument broke out between the victims and a group of local youths. While the exact trigger remains under investigation, police suggest it was a “sudden provocation.”
• The Victims: * Mohan Lal (42): Succumbed to his injuries during treatment at the hospital.
  • Virender (47): Sustained serious injuries and is currently being monitored.
• Medical Response: Both men were rushed to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital in Ashok Vihar. Despite emergency intervention, Mohan Lal was declared dead shortly after arrival.

The “Natwala” Gang: Arrests and Investigation

The Delhi Police launched a localized search operation immediately after the crime spot was inspected by Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams.

Accused Name	Alias	Role/Details
Sahil	“Natwala”	Alleged primary instigator in the assault.
Raghav	—	Associate involved in the physical attack.
Abhishek	—	Associate involved in the physical attack.
Arjun	—	Associate involved in the physical attack.

[Image: A marked map of the Wazirpur Industrial Area, highlighting Pathwari Park and the proximity to the Bharat Nagar Police Station.]

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Legal Status and Police Action

The Bharat Nagar Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for:

1. Murder: For the death of Mohan Lal.
2. Attempt to Murder: For the assault on Virender.
3. Common Intention: As the group acted in concert during the attack.

Investigating officers confirmed that the swift arrests were made possible through local intelligence and descriptions provided by eyewitnesses near the park.

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Key Takeaways

• Rapid Escalation: The incident follows a pattern of “heat of the moment” violence in densely populated areas of Delhi.
• Police Presence: The immediate response of the PCR team and subsequent search operation prevented the suspects from fleeing the city.
• Public Safety: Residents have previously raised concerns about lighting and security patrols around Pathwari Park, which serves as a common thoroughfare.

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Sources

• Press Trust of India (PTI): One Killed, One Injured in Wazirpur Brawl, March 13, 2026.
• Rediff News: Argument in Delhi’s Wazirpur Leads to Fatal Assault, March 13, 2026.
• Devdiscourse: Tragic Clash in Wazirpur: Fatal Argument Leads to Arrests, March 13, 2026.

In a brazen act of workplace violence that has sent shockwaves through Uttar Pradesh’s industrial sector, two senior officials at the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Sejni village were shot dead on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The victims, Sudhir Kumar Gupta (58), a General Manager just weeks away from retirement, and Harshit Mishra (34), an Assistant Manager, were gunned down inside the administrative block by a blacklisted local vendor.

Following the killings, the administration suspended Inspector Ajay Kumar and Sub-Inspector Dharmendra Kumar for “dereliction of duty” after revelations emerged that the victims had repeatedly sought police protection from the assailant.

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The Execution: A Security Collapse

The suspect, identified as Ajay Pratap Singh (alias Ramu), a local strongman and parali (stubble) supplier, orchestrated the attack around 1:30 PM.

• Breaching the Gate: Singh reportedly intercepted an HPCL staff vehicle outside the plant, confiscated the occupants’ phones, and forced the driver to enter the premises. Because it was an official vehicle, security allowed it through without inspection.
• The Confrontation: Singh entered a meeting where Gupta and Mishra were briefing the incoming DGM. After a verbal altercation, Singh drew a country-made pistol.
• The Killings: When Mishra attempted to intervene and protect his senior, Singh shot him twice. He then chased Gupta into the building and shot him twice as well. Both officials died before reaching the hospital.

[Image: A layout of the HPCL Budaun Plant administrative block showing the entry path used by the assailant.]

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Timeline of Negligence

The families of the deceased have alleged a systemic failure by the Budaun police to act on clear, documented threats.

Date	Incident/Action
May 2025	Ajay Singh blacklisted by HPCL for indecent behavior and supply issues.
Jan 14, 2026	Singh allegedly chases Gupta’s car for 5 km, issuing death threats.
Feb 4, 2026	An FIR is finally registered against Singh after initial police refusal.
Mar 12, 2026	The Assassination: Singh kills both officials and surrenders at the police station.
Mar 13, 2026	Accused injured in a “police encounter” while allegedly trying to escape during a weapon recovery operation.

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The “Inaction” Allegations

The family of Harshit Mishra has been vocal about the lack of state support. His father, Sunil Mishra, claimed that despite approaching the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP), no security was provided.

• Political Patronage: The family alleges that Singh enjoyed the protection of local political figures, which emboldened him to “roam freely” despite an active FIR.
• Voluntary Retirement: In a tragic irony, Sudhir Gupta had applied for voluntary retirement due to the stress of these threats; his last day was scheduled for March 31, 2026.

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Key Takeaways

• Institutional Failure: High-level officials were left vulnerable despite filing formal complaints about a specific, named individual.
• Security Protocol Gap: The bypass of security via an “official” vehicle highlights a massive vulnerability in industrial plant safety.
• Administrative Fall-out: The suspension of the SHO and Sub-Inspector is seen as a reactive move to quell public and political outrage over the breakdown of law and order.

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Sources

• The Indian Express: HPCL official was weeks away from retirement when killed, March 13, 2026.
• Press Trust of India (PTI): Budaun HPCL Killings: 2 Police Officers Suspended, March 13, 2026.
• Times of India: Sacked vendor storms HPCL plant, kills two, March 13, 2026.

In a swift operation on the night of Thursday, March 12, 2026, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) unit from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar arrested two personnel from the Mantha Police Station in Jalna district. The officers were caught allegedly accepting a bribe to permit the “unhindered” illegal transportation of sand. The news was formally confirmed by ACB officials on Friday, March 13, marking another significant crackdown on the systemic “protection money” rackets operating within the state’s mineral transport corridors.

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The Accused & The Demand

The trap targeted a high-ranking station officer and his subordinate who were allegedly running a monthly extortion scheme.

• The Primary Accused: Police Inspector Manoj Kumar Rathod (50) and Constable Ravi Ganpat Jadhav (38).
• The Initial Demand: The duo originally demanded a monthly “hafta” (protection fee) of ₹50,000 from a local sand transporter to avoid seizing his tipper trucks.
• Prior Collection: Investigation revealed that the constable had already pocketed ₹10,000 as a preliminary payment before the trap was set.

The “Informer Discount” Offer

In a bizarre twist, Inspector Rathod reportedly offered the complainant a “concession” on his monthly bribe. The condition? The transporter had to act as an informant and help the police seize two other vehicles involved in illegal sand transport. This move was allegedly designed to help the officers meet their official “seizure quotas” while still collecting private illegal fees.

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The ACB Sting Operation

Phase	Action Taken
The Complaint	The truck owner, unwilling to pay the recurring fee, approached the ACB Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar unit.
Verification	ACB officials verified the demand through a recorded “negotiation” where the bribe was settled at ₹30,000.
The Trap	A trap was laid within the confidential branch office of the Mantha Police Station on Thursday night.
Catching the Culprit	Constable Jadhav was caught red-handed while accepting the marked currency notes in the presence of independent witnesses.

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Key Takeaways

• Systemic Extortion: The case highlights the “monthly fee” model used by rogue officers to regulate illegal sand mining rather than stopping it.
• Internal Corruption: The inspector’s attempt to use the complainant as a pawn against other transporters reveals a complex layer of departmental manipulation.
• Legal Action: Both Rathod and Jadhav have been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Their mobile phones and the bribe money have been seized as primary evidence.

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Sources

• United News of India (UNI): ACB Traps Jalna Police Inspector, Constable, March 13, 2026.
• Lokmat News: Jalna ACB Trap: Police Inspector and Staff Arrested, March 13, 2026.
• Anti-Corruption Bureau Maharashtra: Official Press Release (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Unit), March 13, 2026.