Bihar: Two Horticulture Department Officials Detained on Corruption Allegations
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Synopsis
On January 17, Bihar's State Vigilance Unit arrested two Horticulture Department officials for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹7,000 in Vaishali. The officials were caught red-handed following a complaint from an employee who was denied his salary, highlighting ongoing corruption issues within government departments.
Key Takeaways
- Two officials arrested for bribery in Bihar.
- Employee filed a complaint with the SVU.
- Bribe amount: ₹7,000.
- Swift action taken by the vigilance unit.
- Corruption issues in government departments highlighted.
Patna, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Bihar State Vigilance Unit (SVU) has detained two officials from the Horticulture Department for allegedly soliciting a bribe of ₹7,000 in Vaishali district.
The individuals in question have been named as Assistant Director Shashank Kumar and his associate Arvind Jha. Their arrest came after a complaint was filed by an employee, Gorakh Ram, who claimed that the two demanded a bribe in return for processing his overdue salary.
Gorakh Ram, employed in the Block Garden Department of Hajipur, was facing difficulties in obtaining his salary for December 2024. Despite multiple inquiries, his salary remained unpaid.
When he sought help from Assistant Director Shashank Kumar and Arvind Jha, they allegedly requested a bribe of ₹7,000.
After enduring ongoing pressure and demands, Gorakh Ram approached the State Vigilance Unit for assistance, resulting in an official complaint being filed.
Responding promptly to the complaint, the vigilance team executed a trap operation on Friday, apprehending both officials as they accepted the bribe.
The suspects were swiftly taken into custody and transported to Patna, where they are set to face legal action.
“I was previously stationed in Bidupur before my transfer to the Hajipur office. After the transfer, I was continually pressured for a bribe under the guise of salary disbursement,” Gorakh Ram recounted, detailing his experience.
The SVU initiated an investigation immediately following the complaint, confirming the allegations against the accused.
The detained officials were quickly moved to Patna, where they will undergo judicial proceedings. Their unethical behavior has triggered discussions about corruption and accountability within government sectors.
After the arrests, Gorakh Ram expressed gratitude for the prompt action by the SVU. “We reported this issue, and today a team from Patna responded, acted on our complaint, and apprehended both individuals,” he stated, highlighting the significance of reporting corrupt activities.
