Patna, June 30 (IANS) The Bihar Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) has arrested the headmaster of a government school in Patna district after allegedly catching him red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 on Tuesday.

The arrest is part of the state’s ongoing anti-corruption drive against government officials.

According to the Vigilance Department, the accused allegedly demanded money to issue marksheets and other academic certificates to students who had cleared the board examinations.

The case originated from a complaint filed by Arun Kumar Singh, a resident of Gaurichak in Patna.

He alleged that Kunal Priyadarshi, headmaster of the Upgraded Higher Secondary School in Chainpur, Sampatchak, was demanding Rs 400 per student to issue marksheets and College Leaving Certificates (CLC) to 152 students who had passed the annual secondary examination.

Based on the complaint, the Vigilance Department initiated a preliminary inquiry.

Officials stated that the inquiry found prima facie support for the allegations.

Following this, a trap team was constituted under the supervision of Vigilance DSP Vindhyachal Prasad.

The team allegedly caught Kunal Priyadarshi accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 inside his office, after which he was taken into custody.

Following the arrest, the accused is being questioned by vigilance officials.

After completion of the interrogation, an FIR has been registered against the alleged headmaster under the relevant section at the Vigilance police station in Patna.

He is expected to be produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Patna for further legal proceedings.

The allegations against the headmaster are part of the ongoing investigation, and the case will proceed through the judicial process.

The arrest has drawn attention within the district’s education department, as it involves allegations of demanding money for issuing documents that students are ordinarily entitled to receive through the prescribed administrative process.

The Vigilance Department has reiterated its commitment to taking action against public servants found involved in alleged corruption and has encouraged citizens to report instances of bribery and misconduct.

–IANS

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