Former PCS Officer in Srijan Scam Faces Pension Seizure; Nitish Kumar Administration Takes Strict Action

Patna: In a significant move in the Srijan scam, the Bihar government has taken strict action against a retired Block Development Officer (BDO), Chandrashekhar Jha, seizing his pension. The action comes under the administration of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, known for his zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

Chandrashekhar Jha, who served in Pirpanti, Bhagalpur district, is accused of illegally withdrawing ₹4,52,88,246 from various government accounts during his tenure and transferring the money to the accounts of Srijan Mahila Vikas Sahayog Samiti Ltd., Sabour. The CBI filed a case in 2018, and the Bihar Law Department gave approval for prosecution on October 4, 2024.

CBI Chargesheet Provides the Basis for Action

The General Administration Department has relied on the CBI chargesheet to justify the pension seizure. It concluded that Jha, during his postings, misused his position to divert funds through multiple bank transactions for personal gain.

Property Purchased in Wife’s Name

The allegations also include Jha purchasing a flat in Vasundhara, Ghaziabad, in his wife Babita Jha’s name, using money linked to the Srijan scam, despite Srijan not being authorized for banking transactions. Copies of this action have been sent to the CBI, District Magistrate, and Jha’s current residence in Dhanbad.

How Chandrashekhar Jha Was Caught

According to the CBI investigation report, Jha’s role came to light, and on July 12, 2025, the District Magistrate forwarded the chargesheet to the department. Following Jha’s opportunity to respond, the General Administration Department executed the pension seizure, marking a major step in the state’s crackdown on corruption.