Vigilance Bureau Nabs Clerk and Middleman in Madhubani Bribery Sting Operation
In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) executed a meticulously planned operation on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of a revenue department clerk and a private middleman from the Benipatti circle office in Madhubani district. The duo was apprehended for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 to facilitate the removal of encroachment from a disputed land parcel.
Details of the Arrested Individuals and the Alleged Crime
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Saket Kumar Singh, a clerk stationed at the Benipatti circle office, and Parmanand Jha, a private broker residing in Dhagjari village under the Arer police station area of Madhubani district. According to official statements, Singh had initially demanded a sum of Rs 30,000 from the complainant to expedite the clearance of his land from encroachment. After negotiations, this amount was reportedly settled at Rs 15,000, with the arrested pair caught while accepting the first installment of Rs 10,000.
Complaint and Investigation Process
The case originated from a formal complaint lodged by Ravindra Yadav, son of Ram Narayan Yadav and a resident of Dahila village in Madhubani district. Yadav approached the VIB on April 21, detailing persistent harassment and being forced to shuttle between multiple offices. He alleged that monetary demands were being made to carry out official duties related to the removal of encroachment from his land.
Following the complaint, the VIB conducted a thorough verification of the allegations, uncovering substantial evidence pointing to a systematic demand for bribes. After establishing the prima facie validity of the charges, a formal case was registered under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Execution of the Trap Operation
A specialized trap team was swiftly constituted under the direct supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Samir Chandra Jha, who served as the investigating officer for this operation. The team meticulously planned and executed the sting, catching both the clerk and the middleman red-handed as they accepted the Rs 10,000 bribe payment on the premises of the Benipatti circle office.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Officials confirmed that both accused are currently undergoing intensive interrogation to uncover further details and potential accomplices. They will be presented before the special vigilance court in Muzaffarpur for judicial proceedings. The VIB has emphasized that the investigation remains active, with efforts focused on delving deeper into the case to ensure all aspects of the corruption network are thoroughly examined and addressed.
This arrest underscores the Vigilance Investigation Bureau's unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption in public offices, particularly in matters affecting land rights and administrative processes. It serves as a stark warning to officials and intermediaries engaged in illicit activities, reinforcing the bureau's dedication to upholding integrity and transparency in governance.
