Bihar's Vigilance Bureau Nabs Two Mining Officials in Bribery Sting
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, March 25 (NationPress) In a significant move as part of Bihar's anti-corruption campaign, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) from Patna executed a raid in Hajipur, apprehending two Mining Department employees who were caught in the act of accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 50,000.
The individuals taken into custody are Rahul Kumar Roshan, serving as a Data Entry Operator, and Pramod Kumar, a Class IV employee (attendant).
Both suspects were nabbed during a meticulously planned sting operation, where they accepted chemically marked currency notes from the complainant.
As reported by a VIB official, the complaint was lodged by Rajiv Kumar, the owner of Meenakshi Enterprises, located in Mel village of the Bidupur block.
Rajiv had sought a permit to store gravel, with his associate, Zamindar Kumar, managing the application process.
It is alleged that officials at the mining office demanded bribes to facilitate the processing of the application.
The complaint detailed that on January 28, Rahul Kumar Roshan initially requested Rs 10,000 to accelerate the process.
The complainant reportedly remitted Rs 5,000 via an online challan and disbursed another Rs 5,000 in cash.
Subsequently, on January 30, an additional Rs 50,000 was allegedly solicited as an 'office fee', with assurances that the funds would reach higher officials.
After Rajiv lodged a formal complaint on February 6, the vigilance team validated the claims and established a trap.
Upon the transfer of the bribe, the team swiftly executed the raid, leading to the immediate arrest of both individuals.
This operation is regarded as a pivotal step in the Bihar government's initiative to combat corruption within public institutions.
DSP Sadanand Singh provided further insights into the operation, stating that following their arrest, both suspects were taken to the Hajipur Circuit House, where they are currently undergoing rigorous interrogation by the vigilance team.
This incident has caused a significant uproar within the Mining Department, as officials are now under heightened scrutiny.
He added that once the interrogation concludes, the suspects will be presented before the Special Vigilance Court in Patna for further legal action.