A bribe allegation surfaced live during a public hearing in Patna on 1 August, when a resident of Sitamarhi told Bihar's Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister Lakhendra Kumar Raushan, popularly known as Lakhendra Paswan, that a government employee had allegedly demanded ₹50,000 to release a pending grant under the SC/ST Act. The incident, which unfolded in front of officials and members of the public, prompted the minister to order an immediate suspension on the spot.

How the Allegation Unfolded

Complainant Kamlesh Paswan told the minister that the demand was linked to the release of a grant amount pertaining to SC/ST case number 129/26. Minister Lakhendra Paswan asked Kamlesh to call the concerned employee on the spot. During that call, made in the minister's presence, the data entry operator allegedly reiterated the ₹50,000 demand, visibly stunning those present at the hearing.

Immediate Action by the Minister

Following the alleged demand, the minister contacted the District Welfare Officer (DWO) of Sitamarhi to identify the employee. The DWO confirmed that Chandan Kumar was serving as a data entry operator in the department. Minister Lakhendra Paswan then directed the DWO to suspend Chandan Kumar immediately and initiate appropriate departmental action. He reportedly warned that inaction within one hour would invite action against the officer as well.

Government's Zero-Tolerance Stance

Lakhendra Paswan reiterated that the Bihar government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, and that allegations of bribery involving government employees would not be overlooked. He directed officials to conduct an impartial inquiry and pursue both departmental and legal action if the allegations are substantiated. The minister also assured complainant Kamlesh Paswan that his eligibility for the grant would be examined fairly, and that the amount would be released without hindrance if he qualifies under the applicable rules.

Investigation Underway, Accused Yet to Respond

The alleged bribe demand has triggered a departmental investigation. Notably, no response from the accused data entry operator, Chandan Kumar, was available at the time of reporting. The allegations will need to be verified through the formal inquiry before responsibility is conclusively established. This incident is among a series of corruption complaints that have surfaced at ministerial public hearings across Bihar in recent months, underscoring persistent systemic challenges in welfare fund disbursement at the district level.