Rs 1.3 lakh bribe, 36-hour illegal detention: Why Gopalganj police arrested their own

The Gopalganj Police have arrested four individuals for the unlawful detention of five people for 36 hours and extortion, according to officials. Among those arrested was a minor, following an inquiry ordered by Superintendent of Police Vinay Tiwari on August 16. The inquiry was prompted by confidential information alleging misuse of official position, illegal detention, and extortion by Yadopur SHO, Sub-Inspector Anil Ram.

The investigation revealed that the incident occurred on July 8, when a police team raided the Yadopur area and arrested individuals suspected of possessing ganja. Additionally, a woman with her minor daughter and three men who had travelled from Bettiah to buy cattle were taken to the station on suspicion of involvement in drug trade.

However, it was later discovered that the five individuals had no connection to the ganja case and were merely involved in a cattle transaction. Despite this, they were allegedly detained for 36 hours without an FIR or proper legal authorization. During this time, the officials allegedly demanded Rs 50,000 and threatened the detained individuals.

To secure the release of the woman and her daughter, the accused allegedly collected Rs 75,000 from the chowkidar, Mahant Yadav, and Rs 55,000 to keep one person out of the case. The police noted that no station diary entry recorded the detention, and CCTV footage showed the five individuals at the station for approximately 36 hours between July 8 and 9.

Mobile phone evidence also indicated repeated contact between the then SHO and the alleged middleman. All four accused admitted their involvement during questioning, and Anil Ram and the chowkidar were sent to judicial custody and suspended. The four individuals have been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act.