Patna, March 10 (AHN) In a major anti-corruption crackdown, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau, Bihar, arrested a village headman (Mukhiya) red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe in Sitamarhi district on Tuesday.​

The accused has been identified as Awadhesh Sah, Mukhiya of Kaudiya Lalpur Panchayat.​

He was caught on Tuesday, allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 16,000 at Shiv Raj Bhojanalay near the Dumra Court Campus.​

The complaint was lodged by Ajay Kumar, a resident of Kodaniya village in Runnisaidpur.​

According to the complaint, the Mukhiya allegedly demanded a bribe after the honorarium of four maintainers under the tap water scheme had been released, in exchange for approving the next instalment of payment.​

Frustrated by the alleged demand, the complainant approached the vigilance office in Patna seeking action.​

After receiving the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau conducted a secret verification, which reportedly confirmed the bribery allegations.​

A special raiding team was then formed under the leadership of Shiv Kumar Sah, Deputy Superintendent of Police.​

Acting on a well-planned trap, the team caught Awadhesh Sah while accepting the bribe of Rs 16,000 at the restaurant near the court campus.​

The Vigilance Department has registered Case No. 30/26 under Sections 7A and 7B of the Prevention of Corruption Act (Amendment), 2018.​

After interrogation, the accused will be produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Muzaffarpur.​

The arrest has created a stir among Panchayat-level public representatives and district block offices.​

According to officials, once the investigation is completed, the Vigilance Bureau will file a charge sheet in court.​

If convicted, the accused could face a sentence of three to seven years' rigorous imprisonment.​

The Vigilance Bureau has reiterated that its anti-corruption drive will continue and that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of corrupt practices.​

It has registered 28 cases against corrupt officials in the first two months of this year.​