Patna: Bihar has intensified its campaign against corruption with 34 public servants facing action within just the first 150 days of 2025, signalling a sharp acceleration in vigilance activity under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s zero tolerance policy.
According to the Vigilance Bureau, 27 of these individuals were caught red-handed in trap operations while accepting bribes, resulting in the recovery of over Rs 12.46 lakh. These offenders, including police sub-inspectors, revenue officials, and executive engineers, were immediately produced before the state’s monitoring court and sent to jail.
Escalating Action Compared to Previous Years
This year’s rate of vigilance action—roughly one corrupt official caught every 4 to 5 days—is significantly higher than previous years. In 2024, only 15 public servants were booked over the entire year, while 36 were caught in 2023 and 72 in 2022. With five months remaining in 2025, current figures are already more than double last year’s total.
In comparison, the year 2022 saw action every 5 to 6 days. The current tempo surpasses that, suggesting a sustained and focused crackdown.
Trap Cases on the Rise
The data also shows a notable surge in trap cases. In 2020, the Vigilance Bureau executed just 22 trap operations over 12 months. In contrast, 2025 has already seen 27 such cases by May, with officials expecting the figure to double by year-end.
Revenue department employees form the bulk of those caught taking bribes, followed by personnel from police and other administrative departments.
Streamlined Complaint Mechanism Driving Results
Officials attribute the surge in vigilance action to improved reporting systems. The Bureau has introduced a dedicated helpline and placed a complaint drop-box at its headquarters, allowing citizens to report bribery and misconduct anonymously or in person.
Each complaint is vetted before an investigation is launched. Verified cases are pursued promptly, contributing to the bureau’s heightened effectiveness this year.
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“Under the government’s zero tolerance policy, action is being taken promptly against corrupt public servants at every level,” said Jitendra Singh Gangwar, Director General of the Vigilance Bureau. “Verified complaints of bribery are acted upon immediately, and cases of disproportionate assets are investigated thoroughly.”
