Vigilance Team Nabs Bihar Panchayat Mukhiya in Bribery Sting Operation
A vigilance team from Patna, under the leadership of DSP Shiv Kumar Sah, conducted a successful operation on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of Kauria-Lalpur panchayat mukhiya Awadhesh Sah. The arrest took place near the Sitamarhi court premises, where Sah was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs16,000.
Details of the Bribery Case
The bribe money was reportedly demanded from pump operator and ward-11 member Ajay Kumar Paswan. According to officials, Sah had been withholding Paswan's honorarium, which had been pending for the past three years at a rate of Rs2,000 per month. The Rs16,000 bribe was allegedly solicited to release these long-overdue payments.
Ajay Kumar Paswan, a resident of Punaria village in Runnisaidpur block, had exhausted multiple avenues before approaching the vigilance department. He had previously filed complaints with both block and district authorities regarding the non-payment of his honorarium, but no action was taken until he escalated the matter to the vigilance team.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the arrest, the vigilance team conducted a thorough interrogation of the accused mukhiya at the scene. After gathering initial evidence and statements, the team transported Awadhesh Sah to Patna for further legal action and detailed investigation.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption at the panchayat level in Bihar, where local officials sometimes exploit their positions for personal gain. The vigilance department's prompt action demonstrates their commitment to tackling such malpractices and ensuring accountability among public servants.
The arrest near the Sitamarhi court premises adds a layer of irony to the incident, as it occurred in close proximity to the judicial system meant to uphold justice. Authorities have emphasized that this operation is part of broader efforts to curb corruption and improve governance in rural areas of Bihar.
