Association Demands High-Level Probe, Threatens Statewide Stir
Key Points
- ACB Arrests Budhmu Circle Officer in Midnight Swoop
- Officers’ Body Calls Arrest Illegal, Demands High-Level Probe
- Panel Formed, Statewide Agitation Threatened Over Detention
GAMHARIA – The Seraikela-Kharsawan district officers’ body has strongly denounced the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s midnight arrest of the Budhmu circle officer, calling for a top-level government inquiry.
Officials said the Anti-Corruption Bureau detained Sachidanand Kumar Verma late at night. He holds charge as the circle officer of Budhmu block.
The Seraikela-Kharsawan district officers’ body strongly condemned the raid. It termed the arrest illegal, unconstitutional and repressive.
However, the association did not defend any alleged wrongdoing. It only demanded due legal process before any such arrest.
Meanwhile, members convened an emergency meeting of their central body. The Gamharia-based unit launched its protest soon after that meeting.
Association leaders said Section 17A clearance was mandatory first. This clause requires prior sanction to probe an official’s decision.
Besides, the 2018 anti-graft law amendment added this very safeguard. However, investigators reportedly skipped this required approval altogether.
Moreover, officials said the officer was never caught red-handed. No cash or incriminating papers were recovered from him.
On the other hand, the case reportedly rests on a co-accused’s statement. A local administrative source called such statements legally weak.
“An arrest based only on another’s word cannot hold,” the source said. In addition, the arrest’s nighttime timing drew sharp criticism.
Association leaders called it contrary to Supreme Court arrest norms. Furthermore, they defended the original order passed by the officer.
That order followed a proper inquiry by revenue staff. It showed no legal flaw and kept an appeal option open.
Nevertheless, arresting administrative officers without scrutiny hurts their morale, leaders said. Additionally, the central body announced a three-member fact-finding panel.
This panel will independently review the entire arrest episode. The association urged the state for a high-level inquiry too.
It also demanded action against responsible ACB personnel. Otherwise, it warned of a phased statewide agitation ahead.
