Patna, Jan 21 (IANS) Adopting a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, Sheohar District Magistrate Pratibha Rani has suspended Revenue Officer Ramkrit Mahto, posted in Puranhia block of Bihar, with immediate effect.

The action follows his arrest by the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) while allegedly accepting a bribe.

According to an official, the incident occurred on January 5, when the SVU laid a trap and caught the accused revenue officer red-handed while accepting Rs 10,000.

The bribe was allegedly demanded in exchange for carrying out a mutation (transfer of ownership) of land.

The action was taken after a complaint was filed by the victim, following which the vigilance department verified the allegations.

Upon confirmation, a raid was conducted, and the accused was arrested. Subsequent legal proceedings were initiated under the relevant provisions of law.

Issuing the suspension order, District Magistrate Pratibha Rani made it clear that corruption and negligence of duty will not be tolerated in the district administration.

She emphasised that transparency, honesty, and accountability are fundamental to governance and that strict action will be taken against any government employee found indulging in corrupt practices.

The suspension has created a stir within the district’s revenue department and other government offices.

The move has also been welcomed by the general public, who see it as a strong message in favour of a corruption-free administration.

Earlier, the District Magistrate of Araria suspended a revenue official and initiated proceedings for his dismissal from service on Wednesday.

The alleged revenue officer has been identified as Mohammad Imtiaz Alam. He was apprehended by a Vigilance Department team on Tuesday evening while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000.

Alam had earlier demanded illegal gratification from Kamleshwari Yadav, a farmer and resident of Ramghat Ward No. 14 in Narpatganj block, for correcting land records.

Such actions have been taken after the instruction of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Revenue and Land Reforms Vijay Kumar Sinha.

Sinha said that corruption and bribery will not be tolerated under any circumstances in the Revenue and Land Reforms Department.

He emphasised that it is the duty of all government employees to ensure that the work of common citizens and farmers is carried out in a timely, transparent, and legal manner.

–IANS

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