Devendra Mandal, an ex-X-ray technician retired in November 2025, endured months of harassment over his Rs 1 crore claim—encompassing arrears, back wages for seven years, and retirement perks. Anil Ram allegedly demanded a cut to expedite the paperwork, prompting Mandal to tip off the anti-corruption unit.

A meticulously planned sting operation culminated in Ram’s capture mid-transaction. The hospital erupted in murmurs as news spread, fueling debates on integrity in government jobs. Now in custody in Patna, Ram awaits court appearance while probes probe wider complicity.

Just days earlier, on April 24, Rohtas witnessed a parallel crackdown. Block Cooperative Officer Janardan Kumar fell into a vigilance trap after extracting Rs 10,000 from PACS manager Prashant Kumar for smoothing paddy procurement and stock checks. The handover at a roadside medical store near Buddha Town Hall sealed his fate as hidden officers swooped in.

Bihar’s vigilance drive signals zero tolerance, but experts call for structural reforms to prevent such extortion, ensuring honest service delivery for citizens.