Lucknow’s reputation for clean governance took a hit this week when inspector Dhananjay Singh, posted at the Paper Mill Colony police outpost under Mahanagar police station limit, was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of ₹2 lakh.
The Anti-Corruption Organisation (ACO) conducted a secret sting operation on Wednesday evening, which resulted in Singh’s arrest. Allegedly, the bribe was demanded in exchange for removing the name of Prateek Gupta, a coaching centre owner accused of gangrape, from an FIR filed against him.
The incident has unsettled public trust and has highlighted the urgent need for strict anti-corruption measures within the police force.
Lucknow Cop Caught Taking Bribe
The operation was launched after complaints were received from Gupta, who claimed that Singh had demanded a hefty ₹50 lakh to settle the case and drop his name from the FIR. The ACO officials, led by Inspector Uparanesh Nishad, meticulously set up the sting, with police officials using marked currency notes to trap Singh.
At approximately 9:15 pm, the officers caught the inspector accepting the money at the police outpost, as the viral video shows Singh instructing Amir, Gupta’s associate, to place bundles of ₹500 notes into a file.
The entire transaction was monitored via audio-visual surveillance, and Singh was promptly arrested, with officers recovering the marked notes from his possession. The police have registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act at Aliganj police station.
The Background of the Cases Involved
This scandal is linked to a recent gangrape case registered on September 9, 2025, at Mahanagar police station. The FIR was reportedly filed against Prateek Gupta, the director of the British School of Language, and his associate Riaz.
Gupta’s former employee had alleged that she was sexually assaulted in September 2024 after being lured to Gupta’s flat under the pretext of work. She claimed she was intoxicated and raped, with the incident recorded on a video.
She initially hesitated to report the crime fearing retaliation, but later, after Gupta was granted bail in October 2025, she filed the case and named Gupta as the accused, which Singh allegedly tried to influence with his bribe.
Officials and legal experts expressed shock at the extent of corruption uncovered, emphasising that such acts undermine the justice system. The police department has assured that Singh will face stringent disciplinary action, and investigations are ongoing into whether any more officers were involved.
Senior officials, including the district magistrate and police commissioner, stressed the need for accountability and transparency, underlining that corruption within law enforcement damages public confidence and the rule of law.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case raises serious concerns about the integrity of law enforcement agencies. Corruption at this level not only obstructs justice but also empowers criminals and erodes citizens’ faith in the state’s ability to uphold law and order.
It is essential that authorities implement strict oversight, strengthen internal accountability, and foster a culture of honesty within the police force. Such incidents also remind citizens of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to hold corrupt officials accountable.
