Bengaluru Police Officer Probed for Alleged Bribery in Gas Cylinder Seizure Case
Authorities are investigating a Police Sub-Inspector at Avalahalli Police Station after audio leaked suggesting he solicited bribes from a shopkeeper. The complainant, Deepa Ram, alleges the officer demanded six-figure sums to drop charges and provide legal assistance.
Corruption Allegations Surface Against Avalahalli Officer
Police Sub-Inspector Harinath Babu of the Avalahalli Police Station now faces an internal inquiry following the public circulation of a recording allegedly documenting a bribe negotiation. The controversy stems from an enforcement action against a local businessman, Deepa Ram, who was previously booked for the suspected illegal sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders.
Financial Demands and Bail Arrangements
The complainant asserts that his business operated with a legitimate license, yet police treated his inventory as contraband during a recent raid. According to Deepa Ram, the following demands were made during the investigation:
- A payment of ₹1.25 lakh to facilitate the release of confiscated gas cylinders.
- An initial sum of ₹1.80 lakh, which Ram claims the police already collected from him.
- Additional funds to cover court expenses and fees for a lawyer the officer allegedly offered to organize for bail purposes.
In the viral audio, a voice attributed to PSI Babu is purportedly heard promising to suppress charges in exchange for cash. The officer allegedly acted as an intermediary, proposing to secure legal representation to ensure the accused would be granted bail.
Official Response and Verification
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh addressed the allegations on July 28, 2026, confirming that the department will investigate the matter. Commissioner Singh noted that the individual leveling these charges is currently a defendant in an active criminal case, which adds a layer of complexity to the verification process.
Investigators are now tasked with authenticating the audio recording to determine its validity. If the voice is confirmed as that of the PSI, the department will decide on appropriate disciplinary or legal sanctions. The inquiry intends to clarify whether the raid was a legitimate enforcement of trade laws or a pretext for extortion.
Source: The Hindu — National
