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Rajasthan's Shocking Decision: Why a Major Bribery Case Against RPS Officer Collapsed

In a major setback for the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Rajasthan government has declined to prosecute RPS officer Divya Mittal. She was arrested nearly three years ago over allegations of demanding a massive bribe. The government pointed to serious procedural flaws and a lack of concrete evidence in the ACB's case. This decision effectively gives Mittal a clean chit and raises big questions about the investigation.

Key Points: Rajasthan Govt Denies Prosecution Sanction for RPS Officer Divya Mittal

  • The ACB arrested Mittal for allegedly demanding a Rs 2 crore bribe from a businessman
  • The case stemmed from a massive 2021 drug seizure valued at Rs 16 crore
  • Government cited lack of prior approval and tampered audio evidence
  • Mittal accused the ACB of fabricating evidence with malicious intent
2 min read

Rajasthan govt declines prosecution sanction against RPS officer Divya Mittal

The Rajasthan government refuses to prosecute RPS officer Divya Mittal in a Rs 2 crore bribery case, citing major lapses by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

"Due to these shortcomings, the State government concluded that prosecution could not be sustained. - Article"

Jaipur, Dec 13

The Rajasthan government has declined to grant prosecution sanction against Rajasthan Police Service (RPS) officer Divya Mittal, delivering a major setback to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) nearly three years after her arrest in a Rs 2 crore bribery case.

Divya Mittal, then posted as ASP with the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Ajmer, was arrested by the ACB on January 16, 2023, on allegations that she demanded a bribe of Rs 2 crore from a Haridwar-based pharmaceutical businessman to remove his name from a major drug trafficking case.

The drug case originated in May 2021, when medicines worth Rs 5 crore were seized in Jaipur.

A total of 114 cartons of narcotic drugs were recovered from a warehouse in Ajmer, and the total drug seizure was valued at Rs 16 crore.

Raids were conducted in Delhi, Noida, Kolkata, and other cities. Mittal was the investigating officer in the case. According to the complaint, the bribe demand was allegedly conveyed through a dismissed constable. A deal was allegedly struck for Rs 50 lakh.

An attempt to deliver the first instalment of Rs 25 lakh failed due to ACB intervention. The government cited multiple procedural and evidentiary lapses while denying prosecution approval.

It said that no prior approval was taken under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act before the arrest. Also, audio recordings were allegedly tampered with. FSL confirmed the audio, but failed to identify whose voice it was.

Further, Divya Mittal refused to give a voice sample. So no direct or concrete evidence was produced linking her to the bribe demand.

Due to these shortcomings, the State government concluded that prosecution could not be sustained.

Meanwhile, following the arrest, Mittal’s flat in Ajmer, a resort in Udaipur, and other locations were searched; She remained in Ajmer jail for over 70 days and photographs of her standing in line with female inmates were seen on social media.

After securing bail, the ACB registered a disproportionate assets case against her.

Mittal, in turn, accused the ACB of fabricating evidence and acting with malicious intent.

After examining the case record and hearing Divya Mittal’s version, the government refused prosecution approval, effectively giving her a clean chit and raising serious questions about the ACB’s conduct and credibility.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The government did the right thing by following due process. If the evidence was tampered with and procedures weren't followed, you can't just prosecute someone. The law must be applied correctly, even to police officers. Hope the ACB learns from this and improves its investigation methods.
A
Aman W
Rs 2 crore bribe? And a resort in Udaipur? Something doesn't add up. Even if the prosecution failed, the disproportionate assets case should be pursued vigorously. The public deserves to know the truth about where that wealth came from. 🤔
S
Sarah B
As an observer from outside India, this looks like a classic case of a botched investigation undermining a potentially serious corruption case. The procedural lapses mentioned are basic errors. It's frustrating for citizens who want accountability.
V
Vikram M
The real story is the Rs 16 crore drug seizure! That's the bigger menace to our youth. Why is the focus only on the officer? What about the pharmaceutical businessman and the drug network? That investigation must not stop. Jai Hind!
N
Nisha Z
Very sad to see a woman officer's photos in jail circulating on social media. Whether guilty or not, that was unnecessary humiliation. The system needs to be more sensitive. Now she has a clean chit, but her reputation is already damaged. 😞
K

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