Patna: The Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) on Wednesday arrested a data entry operator red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs37,100 at the Child Development Project Office (CDPO) in Naubatpur, Patna district. The accused, Santosh Kumar, was caught inside his office chamber during the operation. The action was taken after a vigilance case was registered on May 18.The complainant, Sushila Kumari—wife of Sumit Prakash, a resident of Gaighat under Alamganj police station area in Patna, and currently a supervisor at the CDPO office in Naubatpur—had lodged the complaint with the VIB. She alleged that Kumar was demanding bribes from 17 Anganwadi centres under her supervision.According to the complaint, he sought 25% of funds meant for nutrition and eggs—approximately Rs10,000 to Rs14,000 per centre—for the CDPO, along with an additional 1% commission for himself.VIB ADG Jitendra Singh Gangwar said, “The complaint was verified and evidence of bribe demand was found. After prima facie confirmation, a trap team was constituted under DSP Sujit Kumar Sagar. The team caught Santosh Kumar while accepting Rs37,100 as bribe.”He added that the accused will be produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Patna after interrogation. Further investigation is underway.According to VIB data, this is the 59th FIR related to corruption registered in 2026, including 54 trap cases. So far, 51 accused have been caught red-handed, with total recoveries of Rs20,78,300.In comparison, 101 trap cases were registered in 2025, leading to seizure of Rs37,80,300 in bribe money.
