Justice Delayed: A Gujarat Constable's 30-Year Battle Over a ₹20 Bribe Allegation

A Life Altered by a Minor Accusation

Sometimes, a seemingly trivial incident can drastically change a person's life. This is exemplified by the harrowing tale of a police constable from Gujarat, whose life was turned upside down by a minor allegation that carried lifelong consequences.

The 1996 Allegation and Its Devastating Impact

In 1996, Babubhai Prajapati, a police constable stationed in Ahmedabad, faced accusations of accepting a mere ₹20 bribe from a truck driver. This case dragged on for years, consuming his entire life in a cycle of court appearances and allegations. The nearly three-decade-long legal struggle severely impacted his career, dignity, and social standing.

Court Ruling After Three Decades

On February 4, 2026, the Gujarat High Court acquitted him of all charges, citing insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims and deeming the case to be based on mere suspicion. Following the verdict, he visited his lawyer's office and emotionally expressed that the stigma attached to his life had finally been lifted. However, fate dealt him a cruel blow, as he passed away just a day after the ruling.