Bihar Vigilance Bureau arrests panchayat secretary while accepting bribe
Patna, Aug 5 (IANS) The Bihar Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) on Wednesday arrested Panchayat Secretary Shankar Prasad red-handed while allegedly accepting a Rs 15,000 bribe in connection with payment under the Nal-Jal (Tap-Water) scheme in Maldahiya Panchayat of Narkatiaganj block in West Champaran district.
According to an official, Prasad had allegedly demanded Rs 28,000 from Parvez Kaushar, a contractor responsible for maintenance work under the Nal-Jal scheme, in exchange for processing and releasing his pending payment.
The contractor reportedly approached the Vigilance Department on July 27 after the payment was allegedly delayed over the demand for a bribe.
Following verification of the complaint, the Vigilance team planned a trap operation.
On Wednesday morning, Prasad was allegedly caught accepting the first instalment of Rs 15,000 from the contractor during a Sahyog Shivir held at the Maldahiya Madrasa premises.
After the arrest, the Vigilance team also conducted a search of Prasad’s private residence at Hardiya Chowk.
Several documents and records were reportedly seized and are being examined as part of the investigation.
The arrest created a stir among Panchayat representatives and government employees in the area.
Vigilance DSP Kripal Chandra Jaiswal confirmed that Shankar Prasad was arrested with Rs 15,000 while allegedly accepting the bribe.
He said further legal proceedings were being initiated under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Prasad, a native of Chautarwa in Bagaha-1 block, has his ancestral village in Patilar.
The Officials of the Vigilance Investigation Bureau have started the process of bringing Shankar Prasad to Patna. He will be produced before the Vigilance Court in Patna for further proceedings.
Earlier, the VIB arrested the Mukhiya of Pandaul Panchayat in Ratni Faridpur block in Jehanabad district, red-handed while allegedly accepting a Rs 12,000 bribe. According to an official, the Mukhiya was allegedly demanding the money as a commission from a beneficiary in connection with the release of payment for work completed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA)
On July 31, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau arrested a police Sub-Inspector red-handed while allegedly accepting a Rs 50,000 bribe. The accused officer was identified as Umesh Kumar, posted at Risiap Police Station in Aurangabad district.
–IANS
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