O R D E R

This Regular Bail Application is at the instance of the sole accused in Crime No.VC 16/2025/EKM of VACB, Ernakulam.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Special Public Prosecutor representing the VACB.

3. Perused the records placed by the learned counsel for the petitioner and the records placed by the learned Public Prosecutor.

4. Here the prosecution alleges commission of offence punishable under Section 7 (a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 , by the accused and the allegation is that the petitioner while working as the Sub Inspector of Police, Maradu Police Station, demanded Rs.10,000/- as bribe from the complainant to release his vehicle involved in an accident. Accordingly he demanded and accepted the same on 02.09.2025. Soon he was arrested along with the said sum as part of trap red handedly. Now he has been in custody from 03.09.2025.

5. It is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is innocent and the allegations are false. According to him, the petitioner has no criminal antecedents and he has been in custody from 03.09.2025 onwards, where the investigation achieved much progress. Acco