Aurangabad Clerk Apprehended in Bribery Sting Operation
The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) of Bihar executed a decisive anti-corruption operation on Monday, resulting in the arrest of a government clerk caught red-handed while accepting a bribe. The incident unfolded in Aurangabad district, where a lower-division clerk was detained for soliciting illegal payments in exchange for processing land mutation documents.
Complaint Reveals Systematic Corruption
The investigation originated from a formal complaint filed by Muneel Kumar, a resident of Koilwan village in Aurangabad district. According to Additional Director General (ADG) of SVU, Pankaj Kumar Darad, the complainant alleged that Haspura circle officer Kaushalya Kumari and clerk Shlok Kumar were demanding Rs15,000 as bribe for completing land mutation procedures, locally known as dakhil-kharij.
During the preliminary verification process, Shlok Kumar reportedly made explicit demands, stating that the mutation work would not proceed without a payment of Rs10,000. The clerk further disclosed that this amount was intended for the circle officer, while he sought an additional Rs1,000 to Rs2,000 for his personal involvement in the transaction.
SVU Launches Coordinated Trap Operation
After confirming the validity of the corruption allegations, the Special Vigilance Unit registered a formal case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. A specialized raiding team was immediately constituted under the leadership of SVU Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Jha.
The anti-corruption squad meticulously planned and executed a trap operation, successfully apprehending clerk Shlok Kumar at the precise moment he accepted the bribe amount of Rs10,000. The entire transaction was monitored and documented by SVU officials as part of their evidence collection process.
"The SVU team is currently conducting intensive interrogations of the arrested accused," stated ADG Pankaj Kumar Darad. "Our investigation remains active and ongoing as we pursue all aspects of this corruption case."
Broader Implications for Administrative Integrity
This incident highlights persistent challenges in bureaucratic transparency and public service delivery mechanisms. Land mutation processes, which involve official recording of property ownership transfers, have frequently been identified as vulnerable to corrupt practices across various administrative jurisdictions.
The Special Vigilance Unit's successful operation demonstrates continued vigilance against corruption within government departments. Such enforcement actions serve as deterrents against illegal gratification demands that undermine public trust in administrative systems.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are examining potential connections to other officials and evaluating whether this represents an isolated incident or part of broader systemic issues within the department. The involvement of a circle officer mentioned in the original complaint suggests the possibility of further developments as the SVU continues its probe.
