The Jharkhand Anti-Corruption Bureau carried out a significant operation in Barharwa, Sahibganj district, resulting in the arrest of a Block Supply Officer who was caught accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a Public Distribution System dealer. The officer, Niranjan Kumar, was apprehended red-handed by the ACB team while allegedly demanding the bribe for ensuring smooth ration supply and expediting official processes.
This recent arrest marks the seventh in a series of anti-corruption crackdowns in Jharkhand during March. The ACB, following a complaint from the dealer, set up a trap leading to the officer’s arrest as he accepted the initial bribe installment. In a separate incident on March 17, the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested a Junior Engineer from the South Eastern Railway for accepting a bribe in Bhojudih, Bokaro.
On March 13, the ACB apprehended two employees from the District Land Acquisition Office in Deoghar for allegedly seeking a commission to release compensation funds related to a Ring Road project. Additionally, a Sub-Inspector from Chandwara Police Station in Koderma was caught on March 12 accepting money to suppress a liquor-related case. Simultaneously, a Panchayat Secretary in the Bishunpur block of Gumla district was arrested for taking a bribe related to well repair work.
Authorities are investigating the arrested individuals for potential possession of assets disproportionate to their known income sources and for any involvement in broader corrupt networks. The ACB has advised the public against paying bribes for official tasks and encouraged reporting any such demands through their toll-free helpline or the nearest bureau office.
