Maharashtra Police Inspector Transferred, Constable Suspended Following Viral Bribery Video
In a significant development from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Begumpura police inspector Mangesh Jagtap has been shunted out to the control room, while his writer, head constable Ganesh Gaikwad, has been suspended. This decisive action comes after a video, purportedly showing Gaikwad accepting Rs 14 lakh to "cooperate" in an FIR, circulated widely on social media platforms on Saturday.
Police Commissioner Confirms Disciplinary Action and Inquiry
Police commissioner Pravin Pawar informed media that the department has taken serious cognisance of the controversial clip, although its authenticity remains under verification. "The head constable was suspended while inspector Jagtap was attached to the control room. An inquiry was ordered, and DCP (Zone-I) Pankaj Atulkar will conduct the inquiry," Pawar stated emphatically.
The commissioner further revealed that the individual who uploaded the video has two extortion cases registered against him at the MIDC Cidco police station—one in 2018 and another in 2023. This detail adds complexity to the unfolding investigation.
Video Content and Allegations Detailed
According to police sources familiar with the matter, the undated video allegedly shows writer Gaikwad seated inside a car, where he is purportedly seen accepting substantial cash. Another clip, said to be recorded inside inspector Jagtap's chamber at the Begumpura police station, allegedly captures conversations relating to monetary transactions. While Jagtap is not visibly accepting any money in the footage, he can allegedly be heard discussing financial dealings.
Connection to High Court-Directed FIR Revealed
The alleged bribe is claimed to be directly linked to an FIR registered at Begumpura police station in June 2025. This FIR resulted from proceedings before the Bombay High Court's Aurangabad bench, which took suo motu cognisance of media reports regarding alleged blasting within a 3-kilometer radius of the protected Aurangabad Caves heritage site.
Reports indicated that blasting carried out to level agricultural land caused concerning cracks in the ancient caves. Following a suo motu public interest litigation, revenue authorities lodged a formal complaint in June 2025, leading to an FIR being registered against the landowner and individuals allegedly involved in the destructive blasting activities.
Comprehensive Inquiry Ordered by Police Chief
A senior officer privy to the inquiry confirmed that the investigation ordered by the city police chief will thoroughly examine multiple critical aspects. "The inquiry will examine the authenticity of the video, the circumstances under which it was recorded, and whether any illegal gratification was sought or accepted in connection with the blasting case FIR," the officer explained.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about police integrity and the protection of heritage sites in Maharashtra, with the inquiry expected to shed light on both the video's veracity and potential misconduct within law enforcement ranks.
