Patna, Aug 1 (IANS) The Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) has taken major action against alleged corruption in Bihar’s Jehanabad district, arresting the Mukhiya of Pandaul Panchayat in Ratni Faridpur block red-handed on Saturday while allegedly accepting a Rs 12,000 bribe.
According to an official, the Mukhiya was allegedly demanding the money as a commission from a beneficiary in connection with the release of payment for work completed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA).
The complainant, Pramod Kumar, a resident of Pokhama, had undertaken work under the scheme. After the work was completed, the Mukhiya allegedly demanded Rs 12,000 to facilitate the payment. Troubled by repeated demands, Pramod approached the Vigilance Department and lodged a complaint.
Following the complaint, the Vigilance team conducted a preliminary verification of the allegations. After the demand was reportedly confirmed, officials planned a trap operation.
As part of the operation, the complainant was instructed to hand over the demanded amount to the Mukhiya. During the planned action near Nehalpur, the Vigilance team allegedly caught the Pandaul Panchayat Mukhiya while accepting Rs 12,000 from Pramod Kumar.
The team immediately arrested him and completed the necessary formalities before taking him into custody. The arrest has caused a stir among Panchayat representatives and other officials in the district.
The Vigilance team is questioning the arrested Mukhiya, while further legal proceedings are underway. He will be brought to Patna and produced in the Vigilance court.
The case highlights the Vigilance Department’s continued crackdown on alleged corruption in the implementation of government welfare schemes, particularly where beneficiaries are allegedly asked to pay commissions for receiving payments due to them.
Earlier on Friday (July 31), the Vigilance Investigation Bureau achieved another major success in its ongoing anti‑corruption campaign in Bihar, arresting a police Sub‑Inspector red‑handed while allegedly accepting a Rs 50,000 bribe.
The accused officer has been identified as Umesh Kumar, posted at Risiap Police Station in Aurangabad district.
–IANS
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