Two probationary lekhpals posted in Soraon tehsil were arrested by the anti-corruption team while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹1 lakh. It is alleged that the officials demanded the amount in exchange for preparing and submitting a report related to a land case. Following the operation, a case was registered against both accused at Shivkuti police station and further investigation has begun.
Accused Probationary Lekhpals Identified
The arrested officials have been identified as Rajshekhar Singh and Juhi Mishra. Both were serving in Soraon tehsil under probation and belonged to the 2024-25 recruitment batch. They had joined government service in July 2024. This was their first posting, but it is alleged that they became involved in illegal monetary demands within a few months of joining duty.
Land Report Demand Leads to ₹1 Lakh Bribe
According to the complaint, Abhayraj Yadav, a resident of Lai Anapur village in Nawabganj area, applied for a report related to a land matter concerning his grandmother. The complainant alleged that lekhpal Rajshekhar Singh demanded ₹1 lakh for processing the report in the tehsil office.
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Trap Operation and Red-Handed Arrest
Acting on the complaint, the Anti-Corruption Organization verified the allegation and planned a trap operation. A team laid a trap at Shivpur Malaka in Faphamau area after confirming the demand for money. The accused officials were allegedly caught red-handed while accepting the bribe near Shiva Shoes Hub.
After the arrest, a formal case was registered and the accused were sent for further legal proceedings. Officials said that the investigation would examine the financial records and possible links related to the bribery allegation.
Informal Office Setup for Bribery Exposed
Sources said both lekhpals belong to different districts but, after posting, were staying together in a rented accommodation in Dhumanganj area of Uttar Pradesh. It is alleged that they had arranged a separate setup resembling an informal office for dealing with applicants and negotiating payments.
Local sources claimed that the lekhpals used to call complainants and even opposing parties to their rented room in Faphamau for negotiations. After fixing the amount for completing official work, the money was allegedly exchanged there. Because of this arrangement, it was difficult for authorities to collect concrete evidence despite receiving several complaints earlier.
Officials confirmed that complaints had been received against the two officials in the past, but action was delayed. During the investigation, authorities are also trying to determine whether the bribery was being carried out as part of an organized pattern or whether other staff members were involved.
After the arrest, the anti-corruption team has begun examining bank accounts, financial transactions, and possible money-transfer networks associated with the accused. Investigators said that if further involvement is established during the probe, additional legal action will be taken.
Anti-corruption officials urged the public to immediately report any demand for illegal money in exchange for government services and avoid paying bribes. Authorities reiterated that action against corruption will continue and offenders will be dealt with strictly under the law.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
