Gumla Panchayat Secretary Apprehended by ACB in Rs 8,000 Bribery Case
In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Kiran Kusum Khalko, the panchayat secretary of Serka panchayat in Gumla district, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000. The arrest took place on Thursday following a complaint filed by a local resident, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb corruption at the grassroots level of governance.
Details of the Bribery Incident
The case revolves around a government social welfare scheme aimed at supporting infrastructure development. According to ACB officials, Khalko was accused of demanding the bribe from Parmeshwar Singh, who had applied for his pending dues related to the construction of a well under this scheme. Singh, after facing the illicit demand, promptly reported the matter to the ACB, leading to a swift investigation and subsequent arrest.
ACB's Swift Action and Investigation
The ACB team acted decisively upon receiving the complaint, setting up a trap to catch Khalko in the act. This arrest underscores the bureau's commitment to tackling corruption in public offices, particularly in rural areas where such schemes are crucial for community welfare. Authorities have emphasized that this case serves as a warning against unethical practices in government-funded projects.
Further investigations are underway to determine if there are any additional instances of misconduct or if other individuals were involved. The ACB has urged citizens to come forward with similar complaints to help maintain transparency and integrity in public administration.
