Ranchi: The Jharkhand Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a Block Supply Officer in Barharwa, Sahibganj district, on Thursday during a crackdown on corruption, officials said.
The Dumka unit of the ACB carried out the operation.
The ACB team caught Niranjan Kumar red-handed while he accepted a bribe of ₹50,000 from a Public Distribution System (PDS) dealer. He had allegedly demanded the money to ensure smooth ration supply and facilitate official work.
Acting on a complaint filed by the dealer, the ACB laid a trap and apprehended the officer while he accepted the first instalment of the bribe.
This arrest marks the seventh such action by investigative agencies in Jharkhand in March as part of an intensified anti-corruption drive.
Earlier, on March 17, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a Junior Engineer (Electrical) of South Eastern Railway in Bhojudih, Bokaro, for accepting a ₹15,000 bribe to provide an electricity connection.
On March 13, the ACB arrested two employees of the District Land Acquisition Office in Deoghar for allegedly demanding a 5 per cent commission to release compensation for a Ring Road project.
On March 12, officials caught a Sub-Inspector at Chandwara Police Station in Koderma while accepting ₹15,000 to suppress a liquor-related case. On the same day, authorities apprehended a Panchayat Secretary in Bishunpur block of Gumla district for taking ₹8,000 to clear a well repair bill.
Officials said they are also investigating whether the accused possess assets disproportionate to their known income and are probing possible larger networks.
The ACB urged citizens not to pay bribes for official work and to report such demands through its toll-free helpline or at the nearest bureau office.
