Kochi: In an anti-corruption sting operation, a sub-inspector with the Maradu police in Kochi was caught red-handed on Tuesday while accepting a bribe. The officer, identified as Gopa Kumar, was arrested by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) for demanding a ₹10,000 bribe to release a vehicle involved in a recent accident.

According to the VACB, a truck, which was transporting gas cylinders, was involved in an accident on August 25, near the Vyttila hub. The driver suffered a heart attack, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, which then struck an electric pole, a wall, and a fence.

While the driver was taken to the hospital and a case was registered, Sub-Inspector Gopa Kumar contacted the vehicle owner and demanded a bribe to release the truck. Despite the owner pleading about the driver's critical condition, the officer insisted on the payment.

The vehicle owner then promptly reported the incident to the Ernakulam Vigilance Deputy Superintendent. Acting on this tip, the Vigilance team swiftly set up a trap. On Tuesday at 4.15 pm, the VACB team caught Kumar in the act of accepting the bribe. The officer was immediately placed under arrest.

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Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham IPS has urged the public to report any instances of corruption. Citizens can provide information by calling the toll-free number 1064, the phone number 8592900900, or the WhatsApp number 9447789100.

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