VIB intensifies anti-graft drive, files 28 cases in 2 months
Patna: Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) has intensified its anti-corruption drive, registering 28 cases in the first two months of 2026—an average of 14 cases per month. These include cases of bribery and disproportionate assets (DA), officials said.
Director general (DG) Jitendra Singh Gangwar said the surge reflects the bureau’s zero-tolerance policy, supported by swift investigations and faster prosecution, despite a severe manpower shortage. He noted that convictions have been secured in four cases so far this year and expressed confidence that the total number of convictions in 2026 would exceed last year’s figure of 30.
Gangwar said one-third of the inspector and DSP posts in the bureau are vacant, significantly increasing the workload. To address this, a request has been sent to the Police Headquarters for deputation of additional personnel.
He clarified that the bureau acts immediately on any information related to corruption and urged citizens to report bribe demands by govt employees without hesitation.
To expedite action, the VIB has set up special cells for speedy trials and departmental proceedings. In 2025, it registered 122 FIRs—far above the 25-year annual average of 72 cases. The bureau now aims to file 175 FIRs in 2026.
Recent actions include the arrest of a senior agriculture officer in Muzaffarpur with assets worth Rs1.06 crore and an assistant director caught accepting Rs5 lakh bribe in Patna. The bureau is also moving to confiscate assets worth Rs4.14 crore from eight officials.
Gangwar said the bureau’s efforts have led to a sharp rise in public complaints and convictions, with 16 vigilance cases resulting in convictions between July and Dec 2025.
Director general (DG) Jitendra Singh Gangwar said the surge reflects the bureau’s zero-tolerance policy, supported by swift investigations and faster prosecution, despite a severe manpower shortage. He noted that convictions have been secured in four cases so far this year and expressed confidence that the total number of convictions in 2026 would exceed last year’s figure of 30.
Gangwar said one-third of the inspector and DSP posts in the bureau are vacant, significantly increasing the workload. To address this, a request has been sent to the Police Headquarters for deputation of additional personnel.
He clarified that the bureau acts immediately on any information related to corruption and urged citizens to report bribe demands by govt employees without hesitation.
To expedite action, the VIB has set up special cells for speedy trials and departmental proceedings. In 2025, it registered 122 FIRs—far above the 25-year annual average of 72 cases. The bureau now aims to file 175 FIRs in 2026.
Recent actions include the arrest of a senior agriculture officer in Muzaffarpur with assets worth Rs1.06 crore and an assistant director caught accepting Rs5 lakh bribe in Patna. The bureau is also moving to confiscate assets worth Rs4.14 crore from eight officials.
Gangwar said the bureau’s efforts have led to a sharp rise in public complaints and convictions, with 16 vigilance cases resulting in convictions between July and Dec 2025.
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