Cleared After 30 Years in Rs 20 Bribe Case, Gujarat Constable Dies Next Day

In a tragic turn of events, Babubhai Prajapati, a former Ahmedabad police constable, passed away the day after being acquitted of a Rs 20 bribery charge that had shadowed him for 30 years. The court’s verdict on February 4, 2026, finally cleared him of all charges, but for Prajapati, justice arrived too late. His life had been profoundly affected by the decades-long legal battle.

The case dates back to 1996 when Prajapati, then posted in Vejalpur, Ahmedabad, was accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act of accepting a Rs 20 bribe. A chargesheet was filed in 1997, and by 2002, formal charges were framed. Following a 2004 Sessions Court conviction, Prajapati’s career suffered severely—promotions halted, benefits were frozen, and he spent years entangled in court proceedings.

Refusing to accept the verdict, Prajapati appealed to the Gujarat High Court. His advocate, Nitin Gandhi, highlighted inconsistencies in witness testimonies and procedural lapses, ultimately leading the court to acquit him on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The final verdict arrived exactly 30 years after the case began.

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After the acquittal, Prajapati expressed relief but also a poignant sense of closure. “Sir, the stain of my life has been removed. Now it would be better if God calls me to Him,” he told his lawyer, reflecting the emotional toll the case had taken over three decades. Tragically, he passed away the very next morning due to natural causes.

The original case stemmed from a 1997 Anti-Corruption Bureau trap in the Vishala area of Vejalpur, involving three constables accused of taking bribes from truck drivers. While all were convicted initially, only Prajapati’s prolonged battle and ultimate acquittal highlight the enduring impact of wrongful convictions on individuals and their families.

The incident has sparked reflection on the slow pace of legal proceedings and the human cost of protracted trials. Legal experts note that cases such as Prajapati’s underline the need for timely justice and proper safeguards for public servants to prevent reputational and personal devastation over minor allegations.

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