VIJAYAWADA: Commissioner of Police Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao on Saturday suspended Governorpet Circle Inspector (CI) PE Pavan Kumar Reddy and sent him to Vacancy Reserve (VR) for allegedly taking bribe from a jeweller. Also, a non-bailable warrant was issued against constable Vishnu who helped the CI in taking the bribe.
According to sources, the complainant, a gold trader in Tenali town, was caught in Vijayawada recently for possessing gold without proper receipts. To release him along with the gold, the CI allegedly demanded a bribe of `10 lakh and the complainant agreed to pay `5.5 lakh as first installment.When the CI pressurised him to pay the amount, the complainant approached one of his relatives (a police officer) and with his help approached the police commissioner.
Based on his complaint, the police laid a trap and caught the CI red-handed, while accepting the bribe amount. Tirumala Rao initiated a departmental inquiry and sent him to VR. A case was also filed against the constable after the allegations against the CI were proved. “A departmental inquiry into the matter has been initiated. Further action will be taken against the CI,” according to sources.