Bhagalpur: A vigilance team has arrested two clerks in Bihar’s Bhagalpur after they were allegedly caught accepting a bribe of Rs 70,000 during a raid at a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) office.
The operation, carried out by officials from the state vigilance department, triggered concern within the local administration. The accused were apprehended on the spot and are currently being interrogated, with further legal action underway.
According to officials, the operation followed a complaint by Abhijeet Kumar, who alleged that money had been demanded in exchange for confirming a service-related matter at the Nathnagar supply office.
Acting on the complaint, a nine-member team led by Vidyanchal Prasad, a deputy superintendent of police from Patna, set up a trap operation. Surveillance was established at the SDM office before the raid.
Officials said that during the operation, a steno identified as Prem Kumar allegedly instructed that the bribe be handed over to clerk Mayank Kumar. As soon as the money was exchanged, the vigilance team moved in and detained both individuals.
The accused have since been taken to Patna for further questioning. Authorities said a detailed investigation is underway to determine whether other officials were involved in the alleged bribery network.
The incident has prompted heightened alertness across administrative departments in the district, with officials indicating that similar actions may follow. The crackdown is being seen as a strong warning against corruption in government offices.
