The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Lata Balasaheb Darade, a woman police constable from Daulatabad Police Station, after she was caught red-handed accepting a ₹20,000 bribe at her residence in Garkheda.
According to officials, she had demanded a bribe from a married woman and her male friend in return for not taking action on a complaint filed by the woman’s husband.
What Was the Case About?
A young man from the Daulatabad area suspected his wife of an affair. Frequent arguments took place between the couple. The husband then filed a complaint against his wife and her male friend at the Daulatabad Police Station.
The investigation of this complaint was assigned to Constable Lata Darade (age 37).
Demand for Bribe
On 25 November 2025, Darade allegedly called the woman and her friend to the police station and demanded ₹10,000 each (₹20,000 total) to avoid taking any action against them.
Shocked and angered, the woman and her friend approached ACB Superintendent Madhuri Kangane and filed a complaint.
The Trap
After confirming the bribe demand, the ACB set up a trap.
First, the complainants called Darade.
She initially asked them to come to the police station.
Later, since it was late, she left for home.
When the complainants called again, she told them to come to her home in Emerald City.
The ACB team laid a trap outside her house on 27 November 2025 around 5 PM.
When the woman and her friend handed over the ₹20,000 bribe, Darade allegedly ran her hand through her hair as a signal, and the ACB team immediately entered and caught her red-handed.
Arrest and Further Action
Darade was arrested from her residence, and the tainted currency was seized. A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigation is underway.
