Patna, Sep 1 (IANS) In a major anti-corruption operation, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau arrested Amit Pratap Singh, Block Development Officer (BDO) of Phulidumar block in Banka district, while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 75,000 on Tuesday.
The trap operation was conducted at the BDO’s private residence in Nehru Colony, Banka town.
Following the arrest, the Vigilance team took the BDO and his maternal uncle, Bachchan Prasad Singh, who was present at the residence, to the Banka Circuit House for questioning.
According to the Vigilance Department, Phulidumar Block Pramukh Gautam Prakash had submitted a written complaint to the Vigilance Bureau in Patna.
He alleged that the BDO was demanding Rs 75,000 in exchange for granting administrative approval and facilitating the withdrawal of funds for various development schemes under the Panchayati Raj Department.
Following the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau conducted a preliminary verification of the allegations.
The verification reportedly confirmed the demand for a bribe, following which a trap team was constituted.
A team led by a DSP-rank officer reached the BDO’s residence in Nehru Colony on Tuesday morning and laid a trap.
According to an official, the Block Pramukh handed over the agreed amount of Rs 75,000 to the BDO, following which the Vigilance personnel immediately apprehended him.
The arrest has caused a stir in administrative circles in Banka, from the Phulidumar block office to the district headquarters.
The arrest came a day after the BDO was involved in another controversy.
On Monday, a heated altercation and scuffle reportedly broke out between Amit Pratap Singh and former Mukhiya Sanjeev Mandal over the issuance of a birth certificate.
Following a complaint lodged by the BDO in connection with that incident, police arrested the former Mukhiya and sent him to judicial custody.
The BDO’s arrest in the alleged bribery case the following day has drawn considerable attention in the district.
The Vigilance team is currently completing the necessary legal formalities.
The accused persons are expected to be produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Patna for further proceedings.
–IANS
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