Patna, Aug 7 — In a major anti-corruption operation, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau on Friday arrested a clerk of the Begusarai Sadar Block office while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 4,000 for processing government compensation meant for the family of a deceased girl.
The accused, identified as Sonu Kumar, was apprehended during a trap operation conducted by the Vigilance Investigation Bureau after the complainant alleged that he had demanded money to clear the file for compensation under the state's disaster relief scheme.
The complainant, Daulati Devi, a resident of Chandpur village, alleged that her daughter, Rani Kumari, had drowned while bathing during the 'Nahay-Khay' ritual of Chhath Puja in the month of November last year.
Under the disaster relief provisions, the family was entitled to receive compensation of Rs 4 lakh from the government.
According to the complaint, the compensation file had remained pending at the Sadar Block office for nearly a year despite repeated visits to the office.
Daulati Devi alleged that Sonu Kumar initially demanded a bribe of Rs 80,000 to process the file and release the compensation amount.
She claimed that the demand was later reduced to Rs 5,000 and eventually settled at Rs 4,000 after she cited her poor financial condition.
Unable to pay the alleged bribe, Daulati Devi approached the Vigilance Investigation Bureau and lodged a formal complaint.
According to Vigilance DSP Rambabu Prasad, the department first verified the allegations.
After confirming the complaint, a case was registered, and a trap operation was planned.
On Friday, the Vigilance team laid a trap at the Sadar Block office. As soon as Sonu Kumar allegedly accepted Rs 4,000 from the complainant, officials arrested him red-handed.
“The complainant informed the Superintendent of Police (Vigilance) that a clerk had demanded a bribe for processing the paperwork related to the Rs 4 lakh disaster relief compensation. After verification, a case was registered, and the accused was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 4,000,” DSP Rambabu Prasad said.
The arrest created a commotion at the Sadar Block office.
The accused has been taken into custody, and further legal proceedings are underway.
Vigilance officials said the investigation will continue to determine whether any other officials were involved in the alleged demand for bribes.