Bihar Vigilance Unit Nabs Agriculture Officer and Driver in Bribery Trap
The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) of Bihar Police executed a successful anti-corruption operation on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of Himanshu Kumar, the sub-divisional agriculture officer-cum-in charge district agriculture officer of Muzaffarpur, and his driver, Rambabu Rai. The duo was apprehended for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000, following a meticulously planned trap set by vigilance officials.
Complaint Triggers Vigilance Action
The case originated from a formal complaint lodged by a local fertiliser shopkeeper at the SVU office in Patna. The complainant accused Himanshu Kumar of harassment under the guise of an official inspection, threatening to cancel the shop's licence unless a bribe of Rs 50,000 was paid. According to the allegations, the officer directed the bribe to be delivered through his driver, Rambabu Rai, escalating the demand into a clear act of extortion.
Verification and Trap Execution
Upon receiving the complaint, SVU officers initiated a thorough verification and inquiry process, which substantiated the bribe demand. Subsequently, a specialized trap team was formed under the supervision of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) Bindeshwar Prasad and Sudhir Kumar. This team coordinated the operation to catch the accused red-handed.
On Tuesday, the trap was set into motion in Muzaffarpur. As soon as driver Rambabu Rai accepted the bribe money from the complainant, the vigilance team, which had been strategically positioned at the location, swiftly moved in and arrested both Himanshu Kumar and Rai. The operation was conducted with precision, ensuring that all legal protocols were followed during the apprehension.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Following the arrests, an FIR was registered at the Patna vigilance police station under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. This section pertains to public servants being bribed, carrying severe penalties upon conviction. The accused are currently in custody as the investigation progresses.
SVU officers have indicated that the probe is expanding beyond this incident. The team is now delving into other potential corrupt activities linked to the accused and conducting a detailed investigation into their alleged possession of disproportionate assets. This broader scrutiny aims to uncover any systemic corruption and ensure accountability within the department.
The swift action by the SVU underscores Bihar's ongoing efforts to combat corruption, particularly in sectors critical to public welfare like agriculture. Such operations are part of a larger vigilance strategy to deter malpractice and uphold integrity among public officials.
