Hyderabad: In a shocking case highlighting alleged misuse of authority, two sub-inspectors have been arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a ₹1 lakh bribe from a businessman after framing him as an accused in a cyber fraud case.
The incident came to light after a 36-year-old businessman from Ramanthapur approached the cyber crime police station to report that he had lost ₹2 lakh in an online fraud. Hoping for help in tracing the cybercriminals and recovering his money, he filed a formal complaint seeking investigation into the scam.
However, according to the complaint and subsequent investigation, the case took an unexpected turn when the officers handling the matter allegedly attempted to turn the complainant himself into an accused.
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Sources familiar with the investigation said the two sub-inspectors allegedly told the businessman that he could face arrest in connection with the case. They then offered him an alternative: if he paid ₹1 lakh, they would avoid arresting him and instead issue a notice.
The officers also reportedly told the complainant that they would issue a notice under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) rather than placing him under arrest if he agreed to pay the demanded amount. They further claimed they could help facilitate a partial recovery of the money lost in the cyber fraud.
The businessman, already distressed by the financial loss and now fearing possible arrest, became suspicious of the demand. Unwilling to pay the bribe, he decided to report the matter to the anti-corruption authorities.
Acting on the complaint, investigators launched a preliminary inquiry and planned a trap operation to catch the accused officers in the act.
As part of the operation, officials arranged for the complainant to meet the officers and hand over the money as demanded. When the ₹1 lakh bribe was being accepted at the designated location, the trap team moved in and caught one of the accused red-handed.
The entire bribe amount was recovered from his possession during the operation.
Investigators later revealed that the officer who accepted the money was collecting it on behalf of both himself and his colleague. Authorities said the two sub-inspectors had allegedly misused their official position in an attempt to obtain an undue advantage from the complainant.
Following the operation, both officers were taken into custody and booked under relevant provisions related to corruption and abuse of official authority.
They were subsequently produced before a special court dealing with corruption cases, where further legal proceedings began regarding their judicial remand.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about the challenges faced by victims who approach authorities to report cyber crimes. In many cases, victims are already dealing with financial losses and emotional stress, and such incidents can further weaken public confidence in the system meant to help them.
Cybercrime experts note that transparency and accountability in the investigation of digital fraud cases are essential to ensure that victims feel safe coming forward to report incidents.
They also emphasize that effective handling of cybercrime complaints is crucial as online fraud cases continue to rise with the rapid expansion of digital financial transactions.
Meanwhile, anti-corruption authorities have urged the public to immediately report any instance where a government employee demands a bribe. Officials said complaints can be lodged through a toll-free helpline dedicated to reporting corruption.
Authorities also assured that the identity of complainants would be kept strictly confidential and that prompt action would be taken in all verified cases of bribery involving public servants.
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.
