Gumla, July 14: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Ranchi, on Tuesday arrested a head clerk of the District Superintendent of Education (DSE) office and a retired teacher after allegedly catching them red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹50,000 during a trap operation in Gumla district.
The arrested accused have been identified as Ranjit Kujur, Head Clerk (Principal Assistant) at the District Superintendent of Education office, and Vatsya (Vats) Ravikant, a retired teacher. Both were taken into custody and shifted to Ranchi for further interrogation.
According to ACB officials, the operation was launched after the bureau received a complaint alleging a demand for a bribe. Following preliminary verification of the allegations, the agency laid a trap and apprehended the accused while they were allegedly accepting the money.
“After verifying the complaint, the ACB laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while accepting the ₹50,000 bribe,” officials said.
There are, however, differing accounts regarding the purpose of the alleged bribe. While one version suggests the money was sought in connection with a teacher’s area transfer, another claims it was demanded for releasing the arrears of a retired teacher, identified as Rajesh Bakhla. The ACB has not officially clarified the exact purpose of the alleged demand.
During the operation, the complainant allegedly handed over the ₹50,000 to the head clerk, following which the ACB team, comprising more than a dozen officers, moved in and arrested the accused. The team had reached the DSE office in four vehicles.
District Superintendent of Education Noor Alam was present in his office when the raid was carried out.
Retired teacher Vatsya Ravikant, who is also associated with the Minority Teachers’ Association, was detained during the investigation and later arrested. Officials said his role in the alleged bribery case is being thoroughly examined.
“All aspects of the case are under investigation, and a detailed press release will be issued from the Ranchi ACB office,” ACB officials said.
Confirming the arrests, an ACB DSP said, “Both individuals are being arrested and brought to Ranchi. Further details will be shared through a press release.”
The Gumla operation is being seen as the first major anti-corruption action by the ACB in the district’s new Collectorate building. The latest arrests come amid a series of recent ACB crackdowns in Gumla, including actions against officials of the District Education Office and the Minor Irrigation Department, reflecting intensified efforts to curb corruption in government offices.
