Hyderabad: Two cops booked for harassing pub owner for bribe
The individuals under investigation include Inspector M. Narender, Sub-Inspector S. Naveen Reddy, and Home Guard Hari. They now face charges of criminal misconduct, primarily stemming from their actions of filing a false case and harassing the management of Rock Club Sky Lounge.
Hyderabad: Telangana’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched an investigation into a distressing case involving two police officers and a home guard affiliated with the Banjara Hills police station. This investigation revolves around their alleged demand for a bribe from a local pub owner, followed by relentless harassment when their demand went unmet.
The individuals under investigation include Inspector M. Narender, Sub-Inspector S. Naveen Reddy, and Home Guard Hari. They now face charges of criminal misconduct, primarily stemming from their actions of filing a false case and harassing the pub’s management.
According to the ACB, Inspector Narender initially demanded Rs 4.5 lakh as ‘mamool’ for a three-month period from the management of Rock Club Sky Lounge. This demand was made in exchange for ensuring the smooth operation of the establishment and refraining from any harassment. Later, the bribe amount was allegedly reduced to Rs 3 lakh.
In a parallel demand, Home Guard Hari is said to have asked for Rs 10,000 from Neela Rajeshwar Laxman Rao, the Managing Partner of Rock Club Sky Lounge. The harassment extended to several WhatsApp calls urging compliance.
As the pub owner, Laxman Rao, firmly declined to pay the bribe, Inspector Narender escalated the pressure by initiating a false case against him, with the assistance of Sub-Inspector Naveen Reddy.
The situation escalated further when, during the night of September 30th to October 1st, Sub-Inspector Naveen Reddy, acting on Inspector Narender’s instructions, approached the pub. He called Rao out of the establishment and compelled him into a police vehicle parked on the road. Rao was then detained at the Banjara Hills police station for several hours.
Unable to meet the demands for a bribe and subjected to constant harassment, Rao eventually turned to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and lodged a formal complaint. The ACB swiftly initiated a preliminary verification, leading to the registration of a case against the accused officers. The matter is currently under investigation, and further actions will be taken following due legal procedures, as stated by the anti-graft agency.
Citizens are reminded that if any public servant demands a bribe, they can contact the ACB through the toll-free number 1064.”
