Vigilance Bureau Arrests Gaya BDO for Accepting Rs 50,000 Bribe in School Wall Case
In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) arrested Block Development Officer (BDO) Rakesh Kumar on Monday while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 in Gaya. The arrest was executed following a formal complaint filed by the block pramukh, who alleged that the officer had demanded a total of Rs 1 lakh to approve a school boundary wall construction plan under the 15th Finance Commission scheme.
Trap Laid After Complaint Verification
The vigilance team meticulously planned and laid a trap after verifying the complaint. The block pramukh, Suchita Ranjani of the Town block in Gaya, reported that BDO Rakesh Kumar demanded the bribe to release payment for the construction of a boundary wall at a government school. According to the complaint, the officer insisted on the money under the pretext of inspecting schemes and forwarding necessary files.
Ranjani stated, "This is not the first time the officer demanded a bribe. The BDO's behaviour was suspicious from the beginning. Allegations can be verified from other block employees." Her complaint highlighted a pattern of corrupt practices, prompting immediate action from the VIB.
Arrest and Investigation Details
At the scheduled time, the vigilance team apprehended BDO Rakesh Kumar as he received the first instalment of the bribe amount, Rs 50,000, from Ranjani in her office chamber located at the Town block office. The officer was taken into custody and transported to Patna for further investigation. Following the arrest, the vigilance team initiated searches at the BDO's office and residence to gather additional evidence.
VIB Deputy Superintendent of Police Satyendra Rai provided details on the operation, saying, "After the complaint of demanding a bribe was registered, a trap was laid. The BDO was arrested while accepting the bribe. The BDO demanded a total of Rs 1 lakh. He will be produced in the vigilance special court on Tuesday for further legal action." This statement underscores the bureau's commitment to tackling corruption in public offices.
Background and Implications
The accused, Rakesh Kumar, is posted as the BDO in the Town block of Gaya. The case revolves around the 15th Finance Commission scheme, which funds essential infrastructure projects like school boundary walls. Corruption in such schemes not only undermines public trust but also delays critical development work, affecting educational institutions and communities.
This arrest serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by vigilance authorities to curb graft in government departments. It highlights the importance of whistleblowers like Ranjani in exposing malpractices and ensuring accountability. The vigilance bureau's swift action demonstrates a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery, aiming to deter similar offences in the future.
As the investigation progresses, further details may emerge regarding the extent of corruption and any potential accomplices. The case will now proceed through the legal system, with the BDO facing charges under anti-corruption laws. This incident reinforces the need for continuous monitoring and strict enforcement to maintain integrity in public administration.
