A sting operation, in which 20 police officers and personnel of the Bengaluru city traffic police wing were caught red-handed while allowing lorries to enter prohibited zones during restricted hours by demanding and accepting bribe, is like a trap proceeding done by an investigation agency or even of a higher stature, the High Court of Karnataka has said.
Also, the court said, there was no need for the Lokayukta police to take prior approval from the competent authority under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act to conduct investigation against these public servants based on the contents of the sting operation by Power TV channel as the acts of demand for the bribe, acceptance and allowing movement of granite blocks-laden lorries into prohibited zones by the accused persons was clearly recorded in the sting operation.
“It is undoubtedly akin to a trap proceeding or even on a higher pedestal. Therefore, rigour or protection under Section 17A of the Act would not be applicable in cases of public servants accepting money for permitting violations of traffic,” Justice Nagaprasanna observed.
