Bihar Village Headman Caught Red-Handed in Bribery Scam
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Key Takeaways
Patna, March 10 (NationPress) In a significant move against corruption, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau of Bihar apprehended a village headman (Mukhiya) while he was reportedly accepting a bribe in Sitamarhi district on Tuesday.
The individual in question has been named as Awadhesh Sah, the Mukhiya of Kaudiya Lalpur Panchayat.
He was captured on Tuesday while allegedly receiving a bribe amounting to Rs 16,000 at Shiv Raj Bhojanalay, located near the Dumra Court Campus.
The complaint was filed by Ajay Kumar, a local resident of Kodaniya village in Runnisaidpur.
As per the complaint details, the Mukhiya allegedly solicited a bribe after the release of the honorarium for four maintainers under the tap water scheme, in return for sanctioning the subsequent payment instalment.
Frustrated by this demand, the complainant sought action from the vigilance office in Patna.
Upon receiving the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau undertook a covert verification, which allegedly substantiated the bribery claims.
A specialized raiding team was subsequently assembled, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Shiv Kumar Sah.
Executing a meticulously planned operation, the team apprehended Awadhesh Sah while he was accepting the bribe of Rs 16,000 at the restaurant adjacent to the court campus.
The Vigilance Department has registered Case No. 30/26 under Sections 7A and 7B of the Prevention of Corruption Act (Amendment), 2018.
Following interrogation, the accused will be presented before the Special Vigilance Court in Muzaffarpur.
This arrest has sent shockwaves through Panchayat-level public representatives and district block offices.
Officials have stated that upon completion of the investigation, the Vigilance Bureau intends to file a charge sheet in court.
If found guilty, the accused could face a prison term ranging from three to seven years of rigorous imprisonment.
The Vigilance Bureau has reiterated its commitment to its anti-corruption initiatives, asserting that strict actions will be taken against those found engaging in corrupt practices.
So far this year, 28 cases against corrupt officials have been registered.