Bhavnagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) today booked an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and three others in a bribery case involving ₹25,000 in Mahuva, Bhavnagar. The accused were caught red-handed after demanding money to clear a police notice related to a loan default.

As per the ACB, the complainant, who had taken a mortgage loan from HDFC Bank, received a bank notice for non-payment of installments. The police station also received a copy of the notice. ASI Ashokbhai Rambhai Der allegedly summoned the complainant and falsely claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against him, his father, and his uncle.

To prevent the supposed arrests, the ASI demanded ₹50,000 through accused Arif Jamani. After negotiation, the bribe amount was settled at ₹25,000, which was to be handed over at Asha Furniture Shop, located near Vasitalav Police Chowki in Mahuva.

Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB, leading to a well-planned trap. On March 29, when the complainant went to pay the bribe, accused Yogesh Gandhi contacted ASI Ashokbhai Der over the phone, allowing the complainant to speak with him. Following instructions, Home Guard Bhadrasinh Rathod accepted the bribe and was caught red-handed.

Meanwhile, Arif Jamani was arrested from his workplace at Amaaf Oil Mill, while ASI Ashokbhai Der absconded from duty. The ACB has launched efforts to track him down. DeshGujarat