PANCHKULA: Assistant Sub‑Inspector (ASI) Jasbir Singh of the Panchkula Cybercrime Police Station was arrested on Tuesday after being caught accepting a bribe of ₹1.15 lakh in a pre‑planned sting operation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) . The bribe was allegedly solicited to unfreeze a businessman’s bank account, which had been frozen following a criminal complaint filed in Gurugram.
The complainant, a local sanitary trading businessman, had mortgaged gold for a loan and received ₹5.65 lakh via RTGS from another firm in June 2024; subsequently, fraud allegations led to his and his associates’ accounts being blocked .
From ₹2.5 Lakh Demand to ₹1.15 Lakh Collusion
Initially, ASI Singh reportedly demanded ₹2.5 lakh for resolving the matter. Upon negotiation, the amount was reduced to ₹1.15 lakh, which he accepted during the sting . A case was registered against him under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act after he was apprehended with the cash .
Erosion of Trust and the Implications for Cybercrime Units
Isolated Incident or Evidence of Systemic Rot?
This incident raises troubling questions about corruption within cybercrime enforcement. The ASI’s misconduct undermines public confidence in cyber units tasked with investigating fraud, cyberattacks, and digital exploitation. Experts warn that bribery erodes the credibility of policing agencies, especially those handling sensitive digital investigations.
ACB Sting and Broader Crackdown
The ACB’s swift action highlights its diligence in targeting low-level corruption. The department highlighted that even law enforcement personnel tasked with upholding the law are not immune to sting operations. As investigations progress, insiders suggest probes may expand to other officials who may be facilitating illegal unfreezing of accounts in exchange for money.
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What Comes Next?
ASI Singh is currently in custody, with bail unlikely given the nature of the offence. The ACB is reviewing additional complaints and bank records to uncover potential complicity within the cybercrime branch. Meanwhile, authorities are urging complainants to report any incidents of harassment, bribe demands, or misuse of authority by police officers.
Cybersecurity experts recommend:
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Establishing routine audits for cyber units
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Incorporating digital transparency mechanisms in police workflow
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Protecting whistleblowers who expose internal wrongdoing
If additional officers are implicated, the matter could prompt a wider reform of cybercrime procedures in regional jurisdictions.
About the Author – Sahhil Taware is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.