In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, an official from the Minority Welfare Department was arrested on bribery charges. Mohammad Asif, a Senior Assistant Waqf, reportedly demanded a ₹1 lakh bribe to move a file involving the transfer of a madrasa from Rajpura to Vasundhara village. The file had been delayed for six months, prompting the victim, identified as Aarish from the Madrasa Manjuriya Akhtarul Uloom, to reluctantly agree to pay the amount after enduring the lengthy wait.

When Aarish expressed difficulty in paying the full amount upfront, Asif suggested an unusual solution, the bribe could be paid in instalments. The victim initially agreed but soon decided to inform the vigilance department of the corrupt demand.

The vigilance department devised a plan to trap Asif in the act. Investigators arranged for the first payment of ₹18,000 to be handed over at Bareilly's Vikas Bhawan, where the Minority Welfare Office is located. As soon as Asif accepted the money from Aarish, the vigilance team apprehended him on the spot.

A case has been registered against Mohammad Asif, who now faces legal consequences following his arrest. He has been sent to jail, and the incident has drawn attention to ongoing anti-corruption efforts within government departments.

"Anyone facing similar demands for bribes from public servants can report the issue to the anti-bribery helpline at 9454401866," a senior officer of vigilance said.