MGNREGA Junior Engineer Caught Taking Bribe in Deoghar, ACB Conducts Trap Operation

Shekhar Suman 
Deoghar: Wednesday: In a major anti-corruption crackdown, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a MGNREGA Junior Engineer, Santosh Prasad, while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 in Karon block of Deoghar district. The action created a stir in the block office and among officials associated with rural development schemes.According to ACB officials, work under a Trench-cum-Bund (TCB) scheme was underway in Dindakoli Panchayat. It is alleged that Junior Engineer Santosh Prasad had demanded a bribe from a beneficiary to process payments and complete other official formalities related to the scheme. Troubled by the demand, the beneficiary approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and lodged a complaint.After receiving the complaint, the ACB conducted a verification inquiry. During the verification process, the allegations were found to be genuine. Following this, the bureau planned a trap operation to catch the accused red-handed.As per the plan, the complainant handed over the predetermined bribe amount to the junior engineer on Wednesday. The moment Santosh Prasad accepted the Rs 5,000, the ACB team, which had been closely monitoring the operation, moved in and arrested him on the spot.Officials said the accused was taken into custody and further legal proceedings were initiated. The action has sparked discussions in the area, with local residents saying that strict measures against corruption in government schemes are essential to ensure transparency and timely benefits for beneficiaries.