Thane: The Financial Offences Branch of the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar Police Commissionerate is under scrutiny as a police inspector and constable faces corruption charges. The incident unfolded on Wednesday (17th), revealing a demand for a hefty bribe of Rs 50 lakh to secure bail and avoid arrest.
The accused police inspector, identified as Mahendra Shelar of the Financial Offences Branch, allegedly demanded the bribe from a 35-year-old man and his accomplice to facilitate their release. A complaint was filed with the Thane Anti-Corruption Department by the aggrieved individual.
According to sources, the compromise was negotiated at Rs 35 lakh, but as the complainant resisted, he reported the incident to the Thane ACB. Upon investigation, the ACB team verified the allegations, finding evidence of Shelar’s demand for Rs 50 lakh and his willingness to settle for Rs 35 lakh.
In a well-coordinated operation on Wednesday, the ACB team set a trap for the corrupt officers. Police constable Ganesh Vanve was caught red-handed accepting Rs 15 lakh from the complainant as the first instalment. Simultaneously, Inspector Mahendra Shelar managed to evade arrest, fleeing the scene upon realising the ACB’s intervention.
The Thane ACB promptly registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against both Police Inspector Mahendra Shelar and Police Constable Ganesh Vanve of the Financial Offences Branch at Mira Road Police Station. Ganesh Vanve has been arrested, while the police intensify efforts to locate and apprehend the absconding Inspector Shelar.
The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashwini Santosh Patil, with the guidance of Thane Zone Superintendent of Police Sunil Lokhande, Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Gherdikar and Additional Superintendent of Police Sudhakar Suradkar. The team, consisting of Assistant Police Faujdar Chavan, Police Constable Patil, Mahadik, Female Police Constable Shinde, Police Constable Bhujbal, and Driver Assistant Police Inspector Barge, worked diligently to expose and address this corruption scandal within the police force.
