Patna: In a significant anti-corruption action in Bihar, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau has arrested an Under Secretary posted in the Education Department for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹20,000. The accused, identified as Amod Mishra, was caught red-handed in Patna’s Gardanibagh area while allegedly taking money in exchange for processing arrears payment of a government employee.
Complaint Led To Trap
According to officials, the complaint was filed by Uma Shankar, a resident of New Sarai under Bihar Sharif police station in Nalanda district. He alleged that the Under Secretary had demanded ₹20,000 as a condition for clearing his arrears payment.
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Acting on the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau initiated a confidential verification process. Once the allegations were confirmed, a formal FIR was registered at the vigilance police station on July 1.
A trap team was then formed under the supervision of DSP Shyam Babu Prasad.
Caught Red-Handed
Officials said the trap was executed near the Minister Enclave area under Gardanibagh police station limits. During the operation, the accused was allegedly caught accepting the marked bribe amount.
He was immediately taken into custody by the vigilance team and shifted to the headquarters for interrogation.
Authorities said the accused is being questioned regarding his alleged role in the bribery demand and whether other officials or intermediaries were involved in similar transactions.
Vigilance Drive Intensifies
Officials stated that the accused will be produced before a special vigilance court in Patna after initial interrogation procedures are completed. Digital and documentary evidence collected during the trap operation is also being examined.
The Vigilance Investigation Bureau said the action is part of its continuing crackdown on corruption in government offices across Bihar. According to official data, the bureau has registered 79 FIRs in 2026 so far, with 74 related to trap operations.
A total of 74 accused have been arrested red-handed this year in similar bribery cases. Authorities also reported recovery of more than ₹28 lakh in bribe money during these operations.
In 2025, the agency had registered 101 trap cases and recovered around ₹37.8 lakh in bribe amounts.
Officials reiterated that strict action will continue against government officials found involved in bribery or misuse of office. Citizens have also been encouraged to report such cases through proper legal channels.
