In a shocking turn of events, Mithali Sharma, a young Jharkhand government officer who once dreamed of becoming an IAS officer, was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while accepting a bribe on her first official posting. The incident took place in Koderma district, exposing yet another instance of corruption within the state’s bureaucracy.
According to the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Hazaribagh, Sharma was arrested while accepting ₹10,000 — the first installment of a ₹20,000 bribe she had allegedly demanded. The ACB conducted a sting operation after receiving a complaint from Rameshwar Prasad Yadav, a member of the Koderma Vyapar Sahyog Samiti.
The trap that exposed corruption
As per official reports, Mithali Sharma was serving as an Assistant Registrar in the Cooperative Department. During an inspection of the Vyapar Sahyog Samiti, she allegedly discovered some financial irregularities and demanded money to “settle the issue.” The complainant then approached the ACB, which verified the claim and laid a trap to catch the officer red-handed.
The trap was successful. ACB officers caught Sharma accepting the bribe in marked currency notes, immediately arresting her on the spot. The operation was video-recorded as part of the official procedure.
A young achiever’s dream derailed
Mithali Sharma’s story is particularly tragic because of her once-inspiring journey. Hailing from a middle-class family, she had cleared the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination in her very first attempt, securing the 108th rank. At just 21, she was among the youngest officers in her batch — a fact that had earned her both respect and admiration in her community.
However, what could have been a bright administrative career now faces uncertainty. Following her arrest, Sharma was suspended from duty, and an internal departmental inquiry was ordered. The case is currently under judicial review.
ACB action and official statement
Officials from the ACB said in a statement: “The accused officer was caught while taking ₹10,000 as the first installment of a ₹20,000 bribe. ACB had prior confirmation of her demand, and the operation was conducted under legal supervision.”
The Jharkhand government has reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, promising that “strict action will follow” in this case.
Public reaction and growing concern
The arrest has sparked a wave of debate on social media, with many users expressing disappointment that a young officer — seen as part of the new generation of civil servants — could fall into corruption so early. Some citizens pointed out that cases like this shake public trust in government offices, while others urged reforms in officer training and ethics orientation.
The larger picture: corruption in early service
According to ACB data, Jharkhand has seen a steady rise in corruption cases involving junior-level officers over the past five years. In 2023 alone, more than 80 government employees were booked for bribery-related offences. Experts suggest that lack of accountability and field pressure often push young officers toward such unethical practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Mithali Sharma?
Mithali Sharma was an Assistant Registrar in Jharkhand’s Cooperative Department, posted in Koderma.
2. Why was she arrested?
She was caught accepting a ₹10,000 bribe during an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) sting operation.
3. Where did the incident take place?
The arrest took place in Koderma district, Jharkhand.
4. How much bribe did she demand?
Reports say she demanded ₹20,000 in total and was caught accepting the first installment.
5. What was her educational background?
She cleared the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) exam in her first attempt and secured 108th rank.
6. Is she an IAS officer?
No, she was a state-level officer (Assistant Registrar), not an IAS officer.
7. What action has been taken against her?
She was arrested, suspended from duty, and faces departmental inquiry and legal prosecution.
8. Was it her first posting?
Yes, it was her first official posting after being selected through JPSC.
9. Who filed the complaint?
The complaint was filed by Rameshwar Prasad Yadav, a member of Koderma Vyapar Sahyog Samiti.
10. What is the Jharkhand ACB’s role?
The Anti-Corruption Bureau investigates bribery and corruption cases involving public officials and conducts sting operations under judicial supervision.
Conclusion: A cautionary tale for young officers
The story of Mithali Sharma is a sobering reminder that no matter how talented or ambitious one is, ethical integrity remains the cornerstone of public service. Her arrest on her very first posting highlights the deep-rooted issue of corruption that continues to plague the Indian bureaucracy.
While the case serves as a warning to others in government service, it also emphasizes the urgent need for better mentoring, transparency, and systemic reform — to ensure that future officers uphold the values of honesty and accountability.
Report by Toofan Express