In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Anti-Corruption team on Wednesday arrested Bara Station House Officer Vinod Kumar Sonkar for allegedly accepting a ₹75,000 bribe. In a separate action, the Vigilance team caught municipal tax collector Anoop Chandra Mishra red-handed while taking ₹10,000. Both arrests followed complaints and were executed through planned trap operations.
According to the Anti-Corruption department, Santosh Kumar Dubey, a resident of Lukmanpur Suriyaon in Bhadohi district, had alleged that the SHO demanded ₹75,000 in exchange for filing a final report in a case. After discreet verification of the complaint, a 15-member team led by Inspector Mrityunjay Kumar Mishra was constituted to lay the trap.
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At around 2:45 pm on Wednesday, the team carried out the operation at Bara police station and apprehended Inspector Vinod Kumar Sonkar while allegedly accepting the bribe. He was taken into custody and a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered at Ghoorpur police station. Officials said further investigation is underway to examine other possible aspects linked to the matter.
In another case, the Vigilance team arrested municipal tax collector Anoop Chandra Mishra in the Transport Nagar area of Dhoomanganj while he was accepting ₹10,000 as illegal gratification. The complaint was filed by Rajkumar Yadav of Meerapatti, who alleged that the official demanded a bribe to process a report for mutation of a property registered in October 2024 in the name of his mother, Phoolkali Devi, in Gayasuddinpur.
Following verification of the allegations, the Vigilance unit laid a trap and caught the accused with the marked currency. Legal proceedings have been initiated.
Trap laid after confidential verification
Officials clarified that in both cases, the complaints were first verified through confidential inquiry before proceeding with the trap. Independent witnesses were present during the operations to ensure evidentiary strength and procedural compliance.
Departmental action likely
Sources indicated that departmental proceedings against both accused officials are expected to follow. Suspension and disciplinary measures will be decided by the respective departments in accordance with service rules.
Signal of tougher anti-graft stance
The recent rise in trap operations across Prayagraj and adjoining districts is being seen as a sign of stricter enforcement against corruption in public offices. Authorities said action will continue against officials who demand bribes for performing official duties, and complaints will be acted upon promptly.
Public urged to report bribery
Anti-corruption officials have appealed to citizens to report any demand for bribes along with available audio, video or documentary evidence. Complainants’ identities will be kept confidential, and legal procedures will be followed for trap operations.
Experts believe such actions strengthen accountability within government institutions and help restore public confidence. Authorities reiterated a “zero tolerance” policy toward corruption, warning that those found guilty will face stringent legal consequences.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
