A Sub-Assistant Engineer posted at the Gidhni BDO office in Jamboni block of West Bengal’s Jhargram district was arrested by the state’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) after allegedly accepting a ₹2 lakh bribe from a contractor during a trap operation on Wednesday
Engineer arrested during anti-corruption trap operation
The accused, identified as Bimal Saha, was caught red-handed after accepting chemically treated currency notes. Officials said his hands turned colour when dipped into a chemical solution, confirming contact with the marked notes.
Contractor reported alleged ₹2 lakh demand
According to the ACB, contractor Pintu Mallick, who had been awarded the construction work of a sub-health centre in Gidhni, approached the engineer to clear his pending bill. The contractor alleged that Saha demanded a ₹2 lakh bribe for processing the payment.
Chemical test confirmed marked currency contact
Instead of paying the bribe, Mallick reported the demand to the Anti-Corruption Branch through its toll-free helpline. Acting on the complaint, ACB officials laid a trap inside the Gidhni BDO office on Wednesday afternoon.
Officials seized cash and important documents
As soon as Saha allegedly accepted the money, officers moved in and detained him. He was questioned inside the BDO office before being formally arrested. The ₹2 lakh bribe amount was recovered from his possession, and investigators also seized several official documents for examination.
Recent posting under scanner after arrest
Officials said Saha had been posted at the Gidhni BDO office around six months ago after being transferred to the Jamboni block. He is a resident of Bolpur in Birbhum district.
Block administration officials declined to comment on the incident.
ACB urges public to report bribery
Meanwhile, the West Bengal Anti-Corruption Branch has urged citizens to report any demand for bribes by government officials through its dedicated helpline 9836233891. The agency said complaints can also be lodged if any public servant threatens, coerces, or extorts money, or if citizens possess information related to corruption.
The helpline initiative was launched after Muralidhar Sharma recently took charge as Inspector General of the Anti-Corruption Branch, to strengthen transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service.
