Supreme Court Questions ‘Rats Ate Bribe Money’ Claim, Grants Bail to Bihar Officer in Corruption Case
The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over an unusual explanation in a corruption case from Bihar, where seized bribe money was allegedly destroyed by rodents. While granting relief to the convicted officer, the Court underscored the need to examine lapses in evidence preservation.
A Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan, in its order dated April 24, 2026, suspended the sentence of Aruna Kumari, a former Child Development Programme Officer (CDPO), and directed her release on bail subject to conditions imposed by the trial court.
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Background of the Case
The case stems from allegations that Kumari demanded and accepted a bribe of ₹10,000 in 2014. She was prosecuted under Sections 7 and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Initially, the trial court acquitted her of all charges. However, the Patna High Court overturned the acquittal on appeal and convicted her. The High Court sentenced her to:
- Four years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 13(2), and
- Three years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 7.
The Controversial “Rats Ate Evidence” Claim
A key issue that caught the Supreme Court’s attention was the High Court’s acceptance of the explanation that the seized bribe money could not be produced during trial because it had been destroyed by rodents in the police malkhana due to poor storage conditions.
Reacting sharply, the Bench observed:
“We are taken by surprise that the currency notes got destroyed by rodents. We wonder how many such currency notes recovered in this type of offences get destroyed as they are not kept at a safe place. It’s a huge revenue loss for the State. Besides, the explanation offered for the destruction of the currency notes also does not inspire any confidence.”
In a similar vein, the Court remarked:
“We were surprised to learn that the recovered notes were destroyed by rats.”
Taking note of the seriousness of the issue, the Bench added:
“We shall look into this issue as and when the main matter is taken up for hearing.”
High Court’s Reasoning
Despite the absence of physical evidence, the High Court upheld the conviction, relying on documentary records. It noted that the police malkhana register clearly recorded receipt of the envelope containing the bribe money.
The High Court had observed:
“For destruction of the seized money, which was recovered from the possession of the accused, the prosecution case cannot be held to be not proved. In many cases, seized articles may not be produced during trial for one reason or the other.”
It further stated:
“Even the subject matter of offence, sometimes cannot be recovered by the investigating agency in many cases, corpus delicti, is destroyed by the offenders. Even under such circumstances an accused can be convicted if other surrounding circumstances point at the guilt of the accused without any reasonable doubt.”
Supreme Court’s Interim Relief
While not commenting on the merits of the conviction at this stage, the apex court granted interim relief to Kumari. The order reads:
“The substantive order of sentence passed by the High Court is ordered to be suspended, and the appellant shall be released on bail subject to terms and conditions that the Trial Court may deem fit to impose.”
The Court also indicated that the issue of evidence handling—particularly the alleged destruction of seized currency—raises broader systemic concerns and warrants closer scrutiny during the final hearing.
Broader Implications
Beyond the individual case, the matter highlights serious deficiencies in evidence preservation within law enforcement agencies. The Court’s observations signal potential reforms or directions in ensuring proper storage and safeguarding of case property, especially in corruption cases where physical evidence plays a crucial role.
The next hearing in the matter is expected to further examine both the conviction and the credibility of the “rodent destruction” claim.
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