Patna: An additional Station House Officer (SHO) of Janipur police station in Patna district was arrested by the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Wednesday while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh. The officer, Sanjay Singh, is accused of demanding money from a complainant to resolve a land dispute.
Complaint and Negotiation
The complainant, Kaushal Kishore of Janipur, alleged that Singh initially demanded Rs 5 lakh to settle the matter. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to Rs 2 lakh. Kishore subsequently filed a formal complaint with the SVU, leading to an investigation.
Trap Laid by SVU
On Wednesday, Singh arrived at a plot in Koriyawan, located in Mohammadpur panchayat, Gajachak, for a land survey. As he accepted the first installment of Rs 1 lakh from the complainant, SVU personnel apprehended him at the scene. Officials stated that Singh attempted to draw his pistol when confronted, but Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ravi Kumar intervened and restrained him. During the struggle, the ASI sustained minor injuries.
Official Statement
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Arunoday Pandey confirmed that the complaint was received two days prior, and preliminary verification found the allegations prima facie correct. “He had come to fix boundary pegs and was taking money for the work when arrested,” Pandey said. The SVU had laid a trap based on the complaint and the initial findings.
Allegations of Land Mafia
Kaushal Kishore also alleged the presence of a land mafia operating in the Janipur area, claiming that some police personnel are linked to these illegal activities. He stated that victims in land disputes are often pressured to pay bribes. However, these allegations have not been officially confirmed by authorities. The case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in land-related matters in the region.
