Corruption in Uttar Pradesh’s health sector took a dramatic turn in Basti when a head clerk at Vikramjot CHC was arrested following the circulation of a damning video. Pradeep Srivastava, the principal clerk, faces charges of extorting 10% commission from a female staffer to process her long-overdue arrears.
Sunita Verma had been battling for months to receive her payments, backed by a court directive. Yet, bureaucratic hurdles persisted until Srivastava stepped in with his illicit demand. She handed over 45,000 rupees in phases, but he insisted on more to complete the full 10% quota.
Everything unraveled when a video of the bribe transaction surfaced online, igniting a firestorm. Health officials, led by CMO Dr. Rajeev Nigam, moved fast with a suspension recommendation. UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak’s intervention led to immediate suspension, and police swooped in for the arrest.
Investigators from Haraiya are now dissecting the case, with Verma’s detailed testimony forming the backbone of the FIR. This high-profile bust not only vindicates the whistleblower but also raises serious questions about accountability in government health facilities.
With digital evidence playing a pivotal role, such events signal a new era where transparency triumphs over graft, urging systemic reforms to prevent future abuses.