Ranchi: In a significant turn of events in Jharkhand’s ongoing fight against corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a Principal Secretary for the first time, marking a major step in tackling high-level corruption. So far, seven IAS officers in Jharkhand have been sent to jail for corruption-related offenses, including the recent arrest. However, this is the first time in the state’s history that the ACB has taken direct action against a senior IAS officer.
Previously, ACB’s actions were limited to lower-level officials. Arrests had been made in corruption cases involving officials like constables, circle officers (COs), revenue staff, and BDOs. However, the ACB has now expanded its scope, arresting Principal Secretaries and Joint Commissioner-level officers for corruption charges.
The first IAS officer to be jailed in connection with the Fodder Scam was Sajal Chakraborty, under the investigation of the CBI. Dr. Pradeep Kumar was arrested by the CBI in the medicine scam related to irregularities in the health department, along with Siya Ram Prasad Sinha. Both were arrested in the same case. Chhavi Ranjan was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in two separate land scam cases, involving land acquisition and government land manipulation. Pooja Singhal was arrested by the ED in the MNREGA scam, involving large-scale misappropriation of rural development funds. Anil Kumar, a former Palamu Settlement Officer, was jailed for corruption related to the disappearance of files in illegal appointments in the education department. Finally, on May 20, the ACB arrested Vinay Choubey, the Principal Secretary, in connection with the liquor scam. This marks the first significant action against a senior IAS officer by the ACB in Jharkhand.
This action against a senior officer highlights the state’s increasing efforts to tackle corruption at the highest levels.