UP: Panchayat Officer Suspended After Video Shows Alleged ₹2,000 Bribe for Birth Certificate in Siddharthnagar

Uttar Pradesh | Siddharthnagar – A video has surfaced showing a village panchayat officer in Itwa block allegedly accepting a ₹2,000 bribe for issuing a birth certificate. The footage, which emerged on March 7, shows the officer taking four ₹500 notes from a youth and putting the money in his pocket.

In the video, the youth can be heard requesting the officer to process his file the same day, while another person filming says, “Look sir, otherwise you’ll say it’s only ₹500… I’ve given ₹2,000.”

The complaint was filed by Mohammad Shaban, a resident of Pirella village, who accused Gram Panchayat Officer Harendra Pandey of demanding ₹3,000 to process his birth certificate application. Shaban alleged he paid the money due to repeated delays and fear of harassment, even though no government fee is required for issuing a birth certificate.

The complaint further claims the officer allegedly demanded ₹2,000–₹3,000 per file and even ₹10,000–₹15,000 for fraudulent birth certificates. It also alleges that the officer used a private room inside the block premises to meet people and collect money.

Following the complaint and viral video, District Magistrate Shivasharanappa GN has suspended Harendra Pandey with immediate effect, while Chief Development Officer Balram Singh confirmed that an investigation is underway. The complainant has also requested action under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended 2018).

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