Mumbai: The Thane unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday arrested a protection officer with the Women and Child Welfare Department for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe from the father of a child sexual abuse victim in exchange for releasing the compensation sanctioned to her by the government.
According to ACB officials, the accused has been identified as Prakash Gude (34). The complainant’s daughter was a victim in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act last year, and as per the State government rules, she was granted compensation through the Women and Child Welfare Department.
The victim’s father had approached the Bhiwandi office of the department earlier this month, and was directed to meet Gude. When he met Gude, the latter allegedly demanded ₹8,000 from him and said he would not release the compensation unless he received the money.
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The victim’s father then approached the ACB and a team verified his claims. In telephonic conversations between the complainant and Gude, which were monitored by the ACB, Gude once again demanded the money, after which an offence was registered against him and a trap was laid.
“Gude was arrested at his office in Bhiwandi on Saturday morning after he accepted ₹8,000 from the complainant. Searches are under way in his office and residence,” said an ACB officer. Gude has been charged with demanding and accepting illegal gratification in exchange for discharging his duty, under the Prevention of Corruption Act.