Four Prohibition Department Officers Suspended in Bihar Over Corruption Allegations

On 03.12.2024, on the orders of Shri Rajneesh Kumar Singh, Commissioner Excise-cum-Inspector General of Registration, Bihar, four officers of the Prohibition Department were suspended with immediate effect.

This action has been taken on the basis of the complaint sent to Shri Rajneesh Kumar Singh, Commissioner Excise-cum-Inspector General of Registration, Bihar, in which Sonu Kumar Poddar (father: Mahesh Poddar, resident: Mahendrapur, Post: Mogmatgama, Police Station: Mufassil Ranipatara, District: Purnia) had made an allegation by sending an application and audio recording on WhatsApp on the night of 01.12.2024. The Commissioner directed the Assistant Commissioner of Prohibition, Purnia to investigate the veracity of the matter, on the basis of which this action was taken.

The complaint accused Inspector Suman Kant Jha, Sub Inspector Chandan Kumar, Assistant Sub Inspector Dinesh Kumar Das, and Constable Pradeep Kumar of abusing and demanding money in exchange for implicating them in a false case.

After examining the audio recording, explanations were sought from the four officials. The investigating officer confirmed the conversation related to money transactions in the audio. The explanations submitted by the four officials were found unsatisfactory. The allegations were found prima facie correct in the investigation, following which all four were suspended.

Shri Rajnish Kumar Singh gave a stern warning that investigations into other complaints received were also underway, and if proven true, strict action would be taken against the personnel involved in corruption. Cautioning the corrupt officials, he directed that the government's efforts to curb the drug trade should not be used to implicate innocent people under any circumstances.