Patna, May 25 (IANS) In a major anti-corruption action in Bihar, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) arrested a government employee in Begusarai while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 for the renewal of a licence related to weights and measures.

The accused, Pushkar Kumar, was working as a clerk in the office of the Assistant Controller of the Weights and Measures Department.

According to a DSP-rank officer, he had allegedly demanded illegal gratification from an applicant in exchange for processing the renewal of a licence.

After receiving a formal complaint, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau conducted a verification exercise and subsequently laid a trap.

Acting on a carefully planned operation, the vigilance team caught the accused red-handed while allegedly accepting the bribe amount.

Officials said the operation was carried out with complete secrecy, preventing the accused from suspecting any surveillance.

The vigilance team immediately detained him after the money exchange took place, leading to commotion inside the government office premises following the arrest.

A formal case (Case No. 62/26) has been lodged in this connection at Vigilance Police Station, Patna.

The accused is currently being interrogated by investigators.

Authorities are also examining whether additional officials or a broader corruption network may be linked to the alleged bribery racket.

The action is being viewed as part of the Bihar government’s intensified campaign against corruption in public offices.

Officials from the Vigilance Investigation Bureau stated that strict action against bribery and misuse of office would continue and that no government employee found involved in corruption would be spared.

Earlier, on May 22, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau arrested Akash Kumar Rauniar, the Circle Officer (CO) of the Sasaram Sadar circle in Sasaram, while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 3 lakh.

His private assistant, Sonu Kumar, was also taken into custody during the operation.

On the same day, the Vigilance Department also arrested Satish Kumar, a clerk posted at the Civil Surgeon’s office in Rohtas, on bribery charges.

The action followed a complaint by a female accountant posted in Sanjhauli, who alleged that she had been asked to pay Rs 20,000 in connection with a transfer-related matter.

–IANS

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