Kochi | January 9 | In a case that has raised serious questions about police integrity and inter-state coordination in cybercrime investigations, four police officers from Kerala have been suspended for allegedly accepting a bribe to influence the handling of a cyber fraud case registered in Gujarat. The alleged payoff, amounting to ₹6.6 lakh, was reportedly taken to “settle” the case without following due legal process.
The incident has prompted a probe by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) as well as a departmental inquiry by the Kerala Police. Officials said the investigation is also examining the role of some Gujarat police personnel, who are suspected to have colluded in the alleged misconduct.
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The suspended officers are attached to the Kuruppampady Police Station in Kerala’s Ernakulam Rural district. They include one Grade Sub-Inspector and three Civil Police Officers. According to official sources, the officers were deputed to assist a Gujarat Police team that had arrived in Kerala with a warrant in connection with a cyber fraud case involving suspects believed to be residing within the jurisdiction of the Kuruppampady station.
Preliminary findings suggest that instead of facilitating the investigation and arrest process, the accused officers allegedly entered into negotiations with relatives of the suspects. Investigators believe the officers demanded and received ₹6.60 lakh in exchange for easing the case and avoiding strict legal action.
Of the total amount allegedly collected, around ₹60,000 was reportedly passed on to Gujarat police personnel, while the remaining sum was retained by the Kerala officers, sources familiar with the inquiry said. The exact roles and identities of the Gujarat officers involved are still being verified.
The alleged misconduct came to light after the State Special Branch, the intelligence wing of the Kerala Police, received specific inputs pointing to corruption in the handling of the case. A discreet verification reportedly revealed inconsistencies in the manner in which the cyber fraud investigation was being pursued.
Acting on these findings, the Ernakulam Rural District Police Chief ordered the immediate suspension of the four officers and initiated departmental proceedings. Senior police officials said the action was taken to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
In parallel, the VACB carried out a search at the Kuruppampady Police Station as part of its probe into the alleged bribery. Officials associated with the investigation said the inquiry is at an early stage and is focused on establishing the money trail, identifying all those involved, and determining whether similar practices were followed in other cases.
The cyber fraud case at the centre of the controversy reportedly involved online financial cheating and required coordination between police forces in multiple states. Such cases often depend heavily on trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions.
However, the alleged bribery has brought embarrassment to the police forces involved and raised concerns about accountability at a time when cybercrime is on the rise. Law enforcement agencies across the country are grappling with increasingly complex cyber offences involving digital fraud, identity theft and online scams, many of which operate across state and national boundaries.
Officials said the identities of the suspended officers have not been disclosed as the investigation is ongoing. An internal inquiry is also examining whether procedural lapses, supervisory failures or systemic weaknesses contributed to the alleged misconduct.
Authorities in both Kerala and Gujarat have assured cooperation with the vigilance probe. Senior officials said that strict action would be taken against any personnel found guilty, irrespective of rank or posting. The Gujarat Police have been formally informed about the allegations and the ongoing investigation.
Observers noted that incidents of this nature risk eroding public confidence in law enforcement, particularly in sensitive areas such as cybercrime, where victims already face challenges in securing timely justice.
The VACB probe, along with departmental action, is expected to determine whether charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act will be invoked. Further developments, including possible arrests and expansion of the investigation, are likely in the coming days.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
