Jhargram, 26 August (H.S.): The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has taken action following a complaint alleging systematic illegal collection of money from trucks and tractors operating in the Jhargram area. The operation reportedly uncovered an alleged extortion network involving a police constable and three middlemen.

The complaint alleged that a police constable posted at Jhargram police station was collecting money from trucks and tractors engaged in commercial activities through intermediaries.

The ACB laid a trap and caught the middlemen allegedly red-handed while accepting a bribe from a truck owner.

During interrogation, one of the middlemen reportedly provided crucial information. He allegedly disclosed that he had already collected around Rs 5 lakh from various trucks on behalf of the concerned police constable. The mobile phone of the intermediary reportedly had the constable’s number saved under the name “Jhargram Manager.”

Based on the information obtained during the investigation, the ACB allegedly traced the suspected beneficiary of the collection network. The police constable and all three middlemen were subsequently arrested.

During the operation, the ACB seized the bribe money used in the trap as well as approximately Rs 5 lakh allegedly collected from various truck operators for payment to the constable.

Further investigation is underway. The ACB is examining the alleged extent of the collection network, including the number of vehicles from which money was allegedly collected, how long the practice had been operating and whether any other individuals were involved.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey