In a decisive move against corruption, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau executed an operation in the Naubatpur block of Patna, resulting in the arrest of a government employee, Santosh Kumar, who was allegedly caught accepting a bribe of ₹37,100. Kumar served as a computer operator at the Child Development Project Office, where he reportedly demanded the bribe in exchange for facilitating departmental work and clearing official files.
The operation was orchestrated under the guidance of Deputy Superintendent of Police Sujit Sagar, who oversaw the formation of a special trap team. This initiative was prompted by a complaint from Sushila Devi, who detailed her experiences of coercion for bribe payments. Following a preliminary inquiry that substantiated her claims, the Vigilance Department moved swiftly to set up the operation.
- Bribe amount of ₹37,100 recovered — the accused was caught red-handed during the sting operation.
- Second bribery case of the day — earlier, a revenue employee was arrested in Saharsa for demanding ₹16,000.
- Legal action initiated — the arrested individual faces charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
During the operation, Sushila Devi delivered the bribe to Santosh Kumar as Vigilance officials, disguised in plainclothes, monitored the exchange. Upon the completion of the transaction, they intervened and apprehended Kumar, confiscating the entire bribe amount on the spot. Following his arrest, Kumar was taken into custody, and legal proceedings were set in motion.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Vigilance Investigation Bureau to combat corruption in Bihar. Officials have indicated that a thorough investigation is ongoing to uncover any further irregularities associated with Kumar's actions. He is expected to appear in the special vigilance court in Patna on Thursday. Earlier the same day, the Bureau also arrested Shyam Prasad Singh, a revenue employee, along with his associate Phulchand Sah, for their involvement in a separate bribery case in Saharsa.
