Block Supply Officer in Sahibganj Nabbed for Rs 50,000 Bribe
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Ranchi, March 19 (NationPress) In a significant move against corruption, the Jharkhand Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) executed a substantial operation on Thursday in Barharwa, located in the Sahibganj district, resulting in the apprehension of a Block Supply Officer, as confirmed by officials.
This operation was orchestrated by the Dumka unit of the ACB. The team successfully caught Niranjan Kumar in the act of accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 50,000 from a dealer associated with the Public Distribution System (PDS). He was reportedly soliciting this payment in return for ensuring uninterrupted ration supply and facilitating required official procedures.
Following a complaint filed by the dealer, the ACB set up a sting operation and arrested the officer while he was receiving the initial portion of the bribe.
This incident marks the seventh arrest made by investigative agencies in Jharkhand during March, as part of an intensified anti-corruption initiative.
Previously, on March 17, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) detained a Junior Engineer (Electrical) from the South Eastern Railway in Bhojudih, Bokaro, for accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 to grant an electricity connection.
On March 13, the ACB apprehended two personnel from the District Land Acquisition Office in Deoghar for purportedly demanding a 5% commission to release compensation funds for a Ring Road project.
On March 12, a Sub-Inspector stationed at the Chandwara Police Station in Koderma was caught accepting Rs 15,000 to suppress a liquor-related case. On the same day, in the Bishunpur block of Gumla district, a Panchayat Secretary was detained while receiving Rs 8,000 for settling a bill pertaining to well repair work.
Officials have stated that investigations are in progress to determine whether the accused individuals hold assets that are disproportionate to their known income sources and to unveil any broader networks involved.
The ACB has urged the public to refrain from paying bribes for official services and to report any such requests through its toll-free helpline or at the nearest bureau office.