Gopalganj: A fresh controversy has shaken Bihar’s education department after a viral audio clip allegedly revealed a demand for a bribe of Rs 8 lakh from a primary school teacher. The clip, widely circulated across social media, has caused shock and anger among residents and teachers, raising serious concerns about corruption inside the department. Many are stunned that a teacher would be asked to pay a huge amount simply to receive a salary that was already rightfully his.
The teacher, Mohammad Gyasuddin of Halwad Primary School in Barauli Block, says his salary had been withheld since 2015 due to departmental disputes. Despite repeatedly visiting offices for years, he found no help. Left with no choice, he took the matter to the High Court, which ordered the department to release his pending salary. After a long struggle, his outstanding amount of around Rs 22 lakh was approved. But soon after, audio clips allegedly featuring DPO Establishment Mohammad Saheb Alam, his driver, and clerk Babujan Ansari surfaced, demanding money in exchange for processing his payment.
In these recordings, voices can be heard telling the teacher that although his salary has been released, he must hand over Rs 8 lakh or face threats and pressure. The clips mention meeting places such as the office and Gopalganj Bypass Road for delivering the money. The teacher alleges he was abused, intimidated and threatened with legal action when he refused. He also claims that even after the High Court order, his future payments were stopped and the DPO refused to update his service book.
Feeling harassed, the teacher reported the entire matter to District Education Officer Yogesh Kumar. The DEO has taken the complaint seriously and assured him that his payments and service book updates will be fixed. The issue escalated further when the viral audio reached MLC Banshidhar Brajwasi, who raised it strongly in the legislative council. He demanded strict action against the officials involved, insisting that corruption in the education department cannot be tolerated.
The case has sparked widespread anger across the district, especially because it unfolded in the home district of State Education Minister Sunil Kumar. Residents, teacher groups and public representatives are demanding the Minister’s direct intervention. Many believe the incident exposes deep-rooted problems in administrative functioning and want immediate action.
District Education Officer Yogesh Kumar has confirmed that a preliminary inquiry has begun. Statements from all concerned officials are being collected, and strict action will be taken if the allegations are confirmed. He also assured that the teacher’s pending and future salaries will be released without obstruction. As the investigation moves forward, people across the district are closely watching to see whether justice will be served and whether this case will bring much-needed accountability to the education system.
