Gujarat constable cleared of Rs 20 bribery case after 22 years, dies a day after acquittal

A 22-year-long legal battle involving an alleged Rs 20 bribe taken by a Gujarat police constable ended in acquittal earlier this month, but the relief was tragically short-lived as the accused died the very next day.

The case dates back to 1996, when Babubhai Prajapati, then posted as a police constable in Ahmedabad, was accused of accepting a bribe of Rs 20. What began as a minor allegation went on to become a prolonged legal ordeal that spanned over two decades.

Conviction And Sentence In Lower Court

After the trial, a lower court in 2004 convicted Prajapati in the bribery case. He was sentenced to four years of imprisonment and fined Rs 3,000. Prajapati subsequently challenged the verdict in a higher court, following which the case remained pending for several years.

During the prolonged appellate process, which stretched over 22 years, Prajapati continued to remain in jail while awaiting the final outcome of his appeal.

Acquittal After Two Decades

On February 4, the higher court delivered its verdict, acquitting Prajapati of all charges related to the alleged Rs 20 bribe. According to reports, he marked the moment by briefly celebrating the judgment at his lawyer’s chamber before returning home.

The acquittal brought an end to a legal process that had begun nearly three decades ago and had deeply affected his personal life and freedom.

Death A Day After Verdict

Tragically, the relief proved short-lived. On February 5, just a day after his acquittal, Babubhai Prajapati passed away, bringing a poignant end to a case that highlights the human cost of prolonged legal battles.