Patna, Advocate Suman Kumari, Legal Correspondent, June 23th 2026: : In a significant development in Bihar’s anti-corruption drive, the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Patna has convicted a former woman police officer in a bribery case and sentenced her to three years of rigorous imprisonment. The case marks the first conviction arising out of a Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) Police Station case, making it a landmark achievement for the anti-corruption agency.
According to information provided by Bijay Bhanu, Special Public Prosecutor (Vigilance Trap Cases), Patna, Poonam Kumari, the then Sub-Inspector of Police posted at Hajipur (Town) Police Station in Vaishali district, was convicted by Sri Atul Kumar Singh, Learned Special Judge, Vigilance, Patna, in Special Case No. 17/2024, arising out of Special Vigilance Unit P.S. Case No. 06/2024.
The court sentenced the accused to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000. In default of payment of the fine, she has been further directed to undergo three months of simple imprisonment.
Caught Red-Handed While Accepting Bribe
The prosecution case revealed that the accused had demanded a bribe from Pankaj Kumar Dwivedi, Manager of Nitesh Bus Service, for forwarding requisition papers to the District Transport Officer (DTO) for the release of a bus bearing registration number BR-31P-5778.
Following a complaint and subsequent verification, the Special Vigilance Unit organized a trap operation. On November 14, 2024, SVU officials raided the accused’s residence in Hajipur and allegedly caught her red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 10,000 from the complainant.
She was immediately arrested and has remained in judicial custody since the date of her arrest.
Strong Prosecution Led to Conviction
During the trial, the prosecution examined a total of 14 witnesses and produced documentary and material evidence before the court. Based on the evidence presented, the court found the accused guilty and convicted her under the relevant provisions of anti-corruption law.
The case was successfully prosecuted by Bijay Bhanu, Special Public Prosecutor (Vigilance Trap Cases), Patna.
Landmark Judgment
The conviction is being viewed as a significant milestone in the fight against corruption in Bihar. Notably, it is the first conviction secured in a case registered by the Special Vigilance Unit Police Station, underscoring the effectiveness of the agency’s investigative and prosecutorial efforts.
Legal observers believe that the judgment sends a strong message that public servants involved in corruption and bribery will face strict legal consequences, and that anti-corruption agencies and courts remain committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in public administration.
