Patna, Aug 5: The Bihar Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) on Wednesday arrested a Panchayat Secretary in West Champaran district after he was allegedly caught accepting ₹15,000 in connection with the release of a pending payment under the Nal-Jal scheme, officials said.The accused, identified as Shankar Prasad, was posted in Maldahiya Panchayat under Narkatiaganj block.
The action followed a complaint filed by contractor Parvez Kaushar, who was engaged in maintenance work under the tap-water scheme.According to Vigilance officials, the Panchayat Secretary had allegedly demanded ₹28,000 from the contractor for processing and releasing his pending payment.
The contractor approached the Vigilance Department on July 27 after the payment was reportedly delayed.Following verification of the complaint, the bureau laid a trap to apprehend the accused.
Prasad was allegedly caught while accepting ₹15,000, said to be the first instalment of the demanded amount, during a Sahyog Shivir organised at the Maldahiya Madrasa premises on Wednesday morning.
Vigilance Deputy Superintendent of Police Kripal Chandra Jaiswal confirmed the arrest and said the accused was taken into custody along with the alleged bribe money.After the operation, the Vigilance team conducted a search at Prasad’s private residence near Hardiya Chowk.
Officials reportedly recovered several documents and records, which are being examined as part of the investigation.The bureau has initiated legal action under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Prasad is being brought to Patna and is expected to be produced before the Vigilance Court for further proceedings.
The arrest reportedly drew attention among local Panchayat representatives and government employees in the area.The case is under investigation, and the allegations against the accused have not yet been established in court.
Further action will depend on the evidence collected by the investigating agency and the outcome of judicial proceedings.
