Patna: Bihar State Information Commission has imposed a Rs 25,000 penalty on DSP-rank officer Vasudev Roy, posted with the Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB), for allegedly providing misleading information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.The commission also directed the Bihar director general of police (DGP) to initiate departmental proceedings against Roy over his conduct as public information officer (PIO) with a copy of the order sent to VIB DG.The case dates back to 2021, when RTI activist Nikesh Kumar Jha alias Raghav of Supaul sought information related to an order issued by the superintendent of police in connection with a case. After failing to receive the information, Jha approached the commission.The commission found Roy had allegedly failed to properly deal with the application and refused to accept a communication from Jha. The penalty was imposed under Section 20(1) of the RTI Act, while departmental action was recommended under Section 20(2).VIB DG Jitendra Singh Gangwar said, “We would initiate an action as needed after receiving the order copy.”Jha, who had pursued the matter for over five years, welcomed the decision and said it sent an important message to PIOs to follow the RTI Act and provide accurate information.
