'Ghoos milegi toh 60 mein bategi': Gangajal in hand, UP councillors take oath to split 'bribe' equally

A video, purportedly showing a group of councillors of the Shahjahanpur Municipal Corporation taking an oath to share bribe money among themselves went viral on social media , triggering a civic inquiry.

The footage showed a man holding a vessel containing Gangajal while leading what appears to be an oath-taking ceremony . The participants are seen holding water in their hands and repeating the words after him.

UP councillors in Shahjahanpur reportedly took a Gangajal oath to equally share the municipal corporation’s earnings, sparking allegations of corruption and questions over public money. pic.twitter.com/P4dt07sFw4

— Ground Eye (@TapasyaYaa83081) August 25, 2026

According to the alleged oath, money received through bribes was to be divided equally among 60 people. "Ham shapat lete hain ki ek dusre ka saath denge...", the participants pledged to support one another if any member faced trouble.

The video includes an objectionable reference to a person labelled a “traitor” for allegedly breaking the pact.

The footage has led to allegations of corruption against municipal councillors, with social media users also raising questions about the alleged rise in the assets of one councillor.

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According to a Times of India report, several claims has been circulating on social media, suggesting that the councillor had owned only one house a few years ago but later acquired multiple properties and luxury vehicles.

However, the identities of those appearing in the video, as well as the authenticity and context of the footage, have not been independently verified by Deccan Herald .

As per the PTI report, Municipal Commissioner Saumya Gururani said the video was reportedly recorded in November 2025, when a different commissioner was heading the civic body. Despite the footage predating her tenure, Gururani said an inquiry has now been ordered.

She added that appropriate action would be taken after the inquiry establishes the facts surrounding the video and the allegations.