In a significant crackdown on graft within the education system, the Anti-Corruption Organisation (ACO) successfully apprehended two government officials in Shahjahanpur district on Monday. The officials were caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000.
The Complaint That Triggered the Sting
The operation was set into motion following a formal complaint lodged by W Kumar, the headmaster of the primary school in Devhada, located in the Kalan block of Shahjahanpur district. Kumar alleged that officials from the education department were demanding illegal gratification. The bribe was solicited in exchange for restoring his salary, which had been withheld due to his absence from duty.
Execution of the Trap Operation
After a thorough verification of the headmaster's allegations, the Bareilly unit of the ACO swung into action. A meticulous trap was laid under the direct supervision of Inspector Jitendra Singh. The plan culminated near a roadside sweet shop situated in front of the Government Inter College in Kalan, where the accused officials arrived to collect the illicit cash.
The team moved in at the precise moment, catching the officials in the act. The arrested individuals have been identified as Satish Kumar Mishra and Sushil Kumar Singh, both serving in the education department.
Implications and Ongoing Fight Against Corruption
This incident highlights the persistent challenge of corruption at the grassroots level of public administration, particularly in sectors like education. The successful trap operation underscores the vigilance of anti-corruption agencies in Uttar Pradesh. It sends a strong message to public servants indulging in malpractices. The accused officials are now facing legal proceedings under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Such operations are crucial in restoring public trust in government machinery and ensuring that citizens are not forced to pay bribes for rightful services. The ACO's action in Shahjahanpur is a reminder of the continuous efforts to cleanse the system of corrupt elements.
