Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has expanded its investigation into the bribery scandal involving suspended Police Inspector Sunil Gudlar and Hawaldar Hussain, carrying out extensive searches at their residences and those of others believed to be linked to the case.
The searches, which began on Wednesday, continued through Thursday and are expected to proceed in the coming days. Sources close to the investigation said the ACB seized crucial documents including bank passbooks and papers related to both movable and immovable assets.
“These searches are being conducted at the residences of the suspended officers as well as other individuals whose names have surfaced during the inquiry,” a source said. The ACB has not yet revealed the identities of additional suspects, but officials indicated that more people could be implicated as the probe progresses.
Gudlar and Hussain were arrested late Monday after being caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹25,000 from a licensed goat meat trader from Belagavi. The ACB had laid a trap following a complaint from the trader, who alleged that the officers had demanded ₹2 lakh upfront and a monthly payment of ₹25,000 to allow his business to operate smoothly in Goa.
The case has raised concerns over corruption within the police force, with the ACB expected to widen its net in the coming days as further evidence is examined.
