Pune cop held taking bribe to ‘protect’ businessman from arrest

On May 1, 2026, Kaspate approached the same businessman again – this time claiming that the warrant had been issued again – and demanded Rs 2.5 lakh to continue protecting him from arrest. Since the businessman was unwell, his employee met Kaspate on his behalf. The constable repeated his demand of Rs 2.5 lakh to the employee, which was later negotiated down to Rs 2 lakh.

Following which, the employee filed a formal complaint with the ACB, Pune, on May 5. A verification operation conducted the same day, in the presence of official witnesses, confirmed the demand. Kaspate reportedly acknowledged during the verification that he had previously accepted Rs 5 lakh in the same matter and was now seeking an additional Rs 2 lakh, subsequently reduced to Rs 1.5 lakh.

Acting on this, the ACB set a trap the following day. On May 6, Kaspate was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 1.5 lakh in front of Sulaks Kalpataru Garden Society, near the Pan Shop, Boat Club Road.

According to the ACB, Kaspate did not go quietly. At the time of his arrest, he allegedly bit the complainant on the chest and attempted to flee while physically obstructing members of the trap team – charges that significantly aggravate his case.

A case is being registered against Kaspate at the Koregaon Park police station under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and Sections 132 and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).