Anticipatory bail granted to railway cop accused of seeking Rs 10 lakh bribe

The case stems from an FIR filed against Sawant and lawyer Arunkumar Singh, who was arrested on September 22. According to the ACB, Sawant, through Singh, had demanded Rs 10 lakh from a complainant in exchange for not naming him as an accused in an earlier corruption case in which eight persons, including a GRP officer, had been arrested for allegedly masterminding an extortion attempt on a railway commuter.

Sawant, represented by his lawyer, argued that he was falsely implicated and that the “practical investigation” in the case was complete, with only “procedural” aspects left. He also submitted an affidavit agreeing to appear before the investigating officer and provide his voice samples.

The ACB told the court it had a recording of a phone conversation between Singh, who allegedly accepted the bribe on Sawant’s behalf, and Sawant. Opposing bail, the prosecution argued that Sawant, being a seasoned officer, could attempt to tamper with evidence, even claiming he might eat ice cream to alter his voice.

The court, however, noted that custodial interrogation was not required since only voice samples were pending.

“Therefore I hold that for recording the voice sample, the custodial interrogation is not required. The applicant is ready to give his voice sample and surrender his mobile phone. Hence, I hold the applicant is entitled to anticipatory bail on stringent conditions…,” the order stated.

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