A major corruption scandal has rocked the Hyderabad police force after a sub-inspector (SI) from the city’s Task Force allegedly accepted a Rs 2 crore bribe to release a key suspect involved in a multi-crore financial fraud. The illegal deal reportedly took place while the accused was being transported from Mumbai to Hyderabad after being detained by a special police team.

According to preliminary reports, the accused businessman had defrauded investors of nearly Rs 3,000 crore and was tracked down to Mumbai following weeks of surveillance. A special task force detained him and began his transfer under tight security. However, investigators now suspect that the SI struck a deal with the suspect mid-journey, jeopardizing the entire operation.

Sources said the officer instructed his team members to travel in one vehicle while he escorted the suspect in another car, ensuring a significant 30-kilometre gap between the two. During the trip, he allegedly communicated secretly with the suspect’s associates and asked them to deliver Rs 2 crore in cash to a hotel en route. After receiving the payment, the SI reportedly allowed the fraud accused to walk free and then falsely claimed to seniors that the suspect had escaped custody during a halt.

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The incident has triggered outrage within the police department, prompting an internal vigilance inquiry. Senior officials confirmed that the SI faces immediate suspension pending a full investigation into his conduct. “A departmental inquiry has been initiated, and all aspects of the bribery allegations are being probed,” said a senior officer in Hyderabad.

Investigators are also expanding the scope of the probe to determine whether the accused officer had previously been involved in similar irregularities or other illegal financial dealings. The police leadership has vowed strong action, insisting that such acts of corruption will not be tolerated in the force. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to trace the released suspect, who remains at large with law enforcement agencies across multiple states now on alert.

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