In a major crackdown against corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday arrested a Panchayat Secretary in Senha block of Lohardaga district while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹15,000. The bribe was demanded for signing the master roll under VB-G-RAM-G (earlier MGNREGA). The ACB also conducted a search at the residence of the accused. The operation caused a stir across the Senha block.
Bribe Demanded for MGNREGA-Related Work
The accused, Surendra Gupta, Panchayat Secretary of Bhadgaon and Dandu Panchayats under Senha block, allegedly demanded ₹15,000 for signing the master roll related to work carried out under VB-G-RAM-G (formerly MGNREGA).
According to officials, the demand was made from Taramuni Oraon, wife of Krishna Oraon, a resident of Chitri Amba Toli under Senha police station area. The master roll pertained to labour work executed under the scheme.
Action Taken on Victim’s Complaint
The victim and his wife were unwilling to pay the bribe. Consequently, Krishna Oraon lodged a complaint with the ACB Ranchi. After verification, the allegations were found to be genuine.
Following this, an ACB team led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) reached the Senha Block Office on Friday. As soon as the complainant handed over the bribe amount of ₹15,000 to the Panchayat Secretary, the ACB team immediately caught him red-handed.
After the arrest, the accused was kept inside a vehicle at the block office premises for a considerable period as formalities were completed.
Case Registered, Investigation Underway
Confirming the arrest, the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Ranchi, issued a press release stating that a case has been registered as ACB Ranchi Case No. 22/25. The ACB is continuing its investigation into the matter.
Locals have been abuzz with discussions following the arrest. Notably, the ACB has been carrying out continuous anti-corruption operations in Lohardaga district in recent times.
