What happened in the Darbhanga bribery case, and what action followed?

A video from Laheriasarai police station in Darbhanga appeared to show a sub-inspector taking cash linked to a character certificate request. After the clip went viral, the Senior Superintendent of Police ordered an inquiry and suspended the officer. Station oversight was also flagged for review. Media reports indicate the probe will examine handling of certificate applications, fee practices, and supervision lapses to prevent repeat incidents and restore trust in routine verification services.

How can e-KYC improve character certificate verification in Bihar?

e-KYC allows identity checks based on verified, consented digital data, reducing in-person visits and cash touchpoints. When paired with DigiLocker documents, UPI fee payments, SMS updates, and online grievance links, it creates a clear audit trail. Supervisors can track pendency, approvals, and refusals in dashboards, spot outliers, and trigger reviews. These steps standardise workflows, make receipts mandatory, and significantly lower the room for informal demands around certificate processing.

What can applicants do to avoid bribe demands during certificate processing?

Use official portals for application and status checks, and confirm the fee schedule in advance. Pay only through UPI or other authorised digital modes, and always keep receipts. Record file numbers, dates, and officer names. If any informal demand is made, lodge a complaint on the grievance portal or helpline, attach proof where possible, and escalate to the district SSP office. Timely, documented complaints support quick corrective action.

Law and Government

February 19: Bihar Police Bribe Video Triggers Suspension, e-KYC Push

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

On 19 February, a Bihar police bribe video from Darbhanga went viral, leading to the suspension of a sub-inspector and a probe ordered by the SSP. The clip, tied to character certificate verification, highlights weak controls in cash-based, manual workflows. For citizens and policymakers, the Darbhanga bribery case is a wake-up call to scale digital background checks and e-KYC across public services. We explain what happened, why it matters, and the tech-policy steps that can curb petty corruption. The stakes include trust, time, and clean delivery.