Shockwaves in Bengaluru Police: Four Cops Suspended Amidst Explosive Drug Peddler Bribery Scandal

Bengaluru’s law enforcement community has been rocked by a startling revelation, as four police officers from the Amruthahalli station have been summarily suspended amidst allegations of deep-seated corruption. The drastic action comes after a notorious drug peddler, arrested by the Central Crime Branch (CCB), confessed to a shocking scheme: paying monthly bribes to these officers for years to operate his illegal trade with impunity.

The suspended officers, identified as Sub-Inspectors Nagesh and Lokesh, along with constables Jagadish and Jagannath, now face intense scrutiny.

Their careers hang in the balance following the damning testimony of the drug peddler, Javid, who was apprehended by the CCB. During his interrogation, Javid dropped a bombshell, claiming he had been shelling out a substantial sum of Rs 20,000 every single month to the Amruthahalli police, a practice he asserted had been ongoing for a staggering two to three years.

This explosive information immediately triggered a high-level internal inquiry, spearheaded by DCP (North-East) Laxmi Prasad.

The investigation moved swiftly, and the findings corroborated Javid's claims, confirming the illicit payments. Adding another layer to the scandal, DCP Prasad revealed that Javid’s family had also lodged a complaint, accusing the Amruthahalli police of extorting money from them. They alleged that an initial bribe of Rs 1 lakh was paid for Javid's release, followed by the systematic Rs 20,000 monthly payoffs.

The implications of such a breach of trust within the police force are profound.

It not only undermines public confidence in those sworn to protect but also raises critical questions about the integrity of the system. This isn't an isolated incident either; the Bengaluru police department has faced similar embarrassments in the past. Just recently, four officers from the Banaswadi police station were suspended under similar allegations of colluding with criminals.

These recurring incidents paint a concerning picture, highlighting an urgent need for robust oversight and unwavering accountability within the ranks.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served and that such egregious acts of corruption are rooted out.

The Bengaluru police commissioner's office is under pressure to send a clear message: that there will be zero tolerance for officers who betray their oath and compromise the safety and trust of the community they are meant to serve.