HARIDWAR: The Vigilance Department arrested the Block Education Officer of Bahadrabad in Haridwar district while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000, officials said on Thursday. The accused officer was caught red handed during a trap operation conducted by the Dehradun Vigilance team and has been taken into custody for further legal proceedings.
Our correspondent reports, the arrested officer, identified as Brijpal Singh Rathore, was posted as Block Education Officer in Bahadrabad. He was allegedly demanding illegal gratification in connection with renewal and recognition related work of a private school. The vigilance team laid a trap following a complaint and caught the officer while he was accepting the bribe amount.
The arrest took place at the Development Building in Roshanabad. After being taken into custody, the officer was shifted to Dehradun for completion of statutory procedures and further investigation. Vigilance officials confirmed that a formal case has been registered and evidence collected during the operation will be presented during prosecution.
The arrest is part of the state government’s ongoing campaign against corruption. Officials said vigilance teams have been instructed to act decisively against public servants involved in corrupt practices. Over the years, the number of vigilance trap cases and arrests has shown a consistent increase, reflecting intensified enforcement.
Our correspondent adds that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has repeatedly directed the Vigilance Department to adopt a zero tolerance approach towards corruption. According to officials, the Chief Minister has given vigilance agencies a free hand to take action against corrupt officials across departments, without fear or favour.
Speaking on the issue, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had said, “Our effort is to make Devbhoomi Uttarakhand corruption free and to develop a culture of good governance. Vigilance has been directed to launch a campaign against corruption and to take strict action against those involved in corrupt practices. Honest governance is our highest priority.”
Officials said the Chief Minister’s directives have resulted in stronger coordination between investigative agencies and faster action in trap cases. Based on strong evidence collected during operations, the Vigilance Department has also succeeded in securing convictions in courts in several cases, officials added.
As part of the anti corruption framework, the state government has issued a toll free number 1064 for citizens to lodge complaints related to bribery and corruption. Officials said the helpline allows complainants to directly approach the Vigilance Department, enabling timely verification and action.
The Chief Minister has also instructed all departments that officials accused in vigilance trap cases should not be assigned important responsibilities until final decisions are taken in their cases. Departments have further been directed to expedite prosecution in corruption cases to ensure timely justice and deterrence.
Our correspondent reports that the arrest of the Block Education Officer sends a strong message that corruption at any level will not be tolerated. “Public servants are expected to uphold integrity. Any deviation from this responsibility will attract strict legal action,” an official said.
The education department has been informed about the arrest, and departmental proceedings are expected to follow as per service rules. Officials said administrative action would be initiated separately, apart from criminal prosecution under relevant sections of law.
The vigilance operation has been welcomed by citizens and social organisations, who have repeatedly raised concerns about bribery in public offices. Officials said increased public awareness and cooperation have played a key role in successful trap operations.
The state government reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. Officials said vigilance surveillance will continue across departments, particularly in offices where public dealing is frequent, to prevent exploitation of citizens.
The Vigilance Department has appealed to the public to come forward with information related to corruption and assured confidentiality to complainants. Officials said sustained enforcement and citizen participation are essential to eradicate corruption and strengthen trust in public institutions, our correspondent adds.
With the arrest of the Block Education Officer, the government has once again underscored its resolve to enforce clean administration and ensure that public services are delivered without illegal demands or undue influence.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
