Ayodhya: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an Assistant Sanitation Inspector posted with the Ayodhya Cantonment Board for allegedly accepting a ₹60,000 bribe in exchange for facilitating the recruitment of sanitation workers. According to officials, the accused, Jitendra Singh, was caught red-handed during a trap operation conducted by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch. Investigators allege that he demanded money from candidates seeking appointments through an outsourcing process. A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the agency has launched a detailed investigation into the recruitment process, seized documents, cash recoveries and the possible involvement of other individuals.
According to the CBI, the operation was initiated after receiving a formal complaint from Vineesh Kumar, a resident of Lal Kurti, who alleged that bribes were being demanded in connection with sanitation worker recruitment in the Ayodhya Cantonment Board. The complaint stated that the Assistant Sanitation Inspector had sought illegal gratification from candidates in return for ensuring their appointments. Following a discreet verification that reportedly substantiated the allegations, a written complaint was submitted to the CBI’s Lucknow unit on July 30, 2026, leading to the registration of a case and planning of the trap operation.
Investigators said the preliminary inquiry indicated that the alleged bribery was linked to the proposed recruitment of around 280 sanitation workers through an outsourcing agency. The accused allegedly demanded ₹20,000 per candidate for securing appointments. According to the complaint, a total bribe of ₹1 lakh had been negotiated for five candidates, with ₹60,000 to be paid initially and the remaining ₹40,000 at a later stage. Authorities allege that the appointments were to be processed through a contractor engaged in the outsourcing exercise.
After verifying the complaint, the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch organised a trap by providing the complainant with chemically treated currency notes and closely monitoring the transaction. Officials said that as soon as the accused accepted the ₹60,000 at the predetermined location, the trap team intervened and arrested him on the spot. Standard chemical tests conducted during the operation reportedly yielded positive results, supporting the allegation that the treated currency had been handled by the accused.
According to sources, a subsequent search allegedly led to the recovery of approximately ₹50,000 in cash from the accused’s motorcycle, along with a list containing the names of around 280 candidates. An additional ₹25,000 in cash was also reportedly recovered from his shirt pocket. However, available information indicates that the additional cash has not been specifically mentioned in the CBI’s First Information Report (FIR). Investigators are examining the seized cash, candidate list and other documents to determine their relevance and origin.
The CBI is also investigating whether the alleged bribery was part of a larger organised network. As part of the probe, officials are scrutinising recruitment records, candidate lists, the role of contractors, financial transactions, call records and other digital and documentary evidence. If evidence points to the involvement of additional officials, employees, contractors or intermediaries, they may also be brought within the scope of the investigation.
The investigating agency said corruption in government recruitment processes is treated as a serious offence. The probe remains ongoing, and further legal action will depend on the financial, documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation. Authorities added that appropriate action would be taken against any other individuals found to have been involved in the alleged bribery or to have benefited from the recruitment process.
