Trap Case
Definition
A pre-arranged sting operation under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 in which a complainant pays marked tainted money or a marked item to a public servant who has demanded illegal gratification, witnessed by independent panchas and conducted by ACB, CBI ACB or a state Lokayukta.
- Legal basis
- Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 (India)
- Mechanism
- Marked money or item paid to a demanding public servant
- Witnesses
- Independent panchas
- Conducting agencies
- ACB, CBI ACB, or a state Lokayukta
Common questions
What role does forensic chemistry play in a trap case?+
The examiner tests the accused's hands or clothing for phenolphthalein or anthrone residue transferred from the marked substance, which corroborates physical contact with the tainted money or item at the moment of the alleged demand.
Why are independent panchas required during a trap operation?+
Their presence as neutral witnesses to the handover and recovery protects the operation against later claims that the evidence was planted or the encounter fabricated by the investigating officers.
Related terms
- Anthrone Test
- Anthrone reagent in concentrated sulphuric acid gives a blue-green colour with sucrose, glucose and other carbohydrates. Used when the bribe is a...
- Form 95 / Sealed PB
- Personal-bag forwarding form used by ACB / CBI to transmit sealed exhibits (tainted notes, hand-wash bottle, panchnama articles) to the State FSL...
- Phenolphthalein Test
- Currency notes or articles are dusted with phenolphthalein powder before the trap. After acceptance, the suspect's right-hand wash in dilute sodium carbonate...
- Section 7 PC Act 1988
- Offence of a public servant accepting or attempting to accept any undue advantage (illegal gratification) other than legal remuneration. The substantive offence...
- Sodium Carbonate Hand Wash
- Mildly alkaline (about pH 11) wash solution collected in a sealed glass bottle from the suspect's hand or pocket. Alkalinity is needed...