Bolangir, Oct 4: The Odisha Vigilance today apprehended Harekrushna Sahoo, a junior engineer in the Belapada Block, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 7,000.
This payment was part of an overall demand where Sahoo had initially demanded a total of Rs 14,000 from a beneficiary seeking the return of case records necessary for preparing a Muster Roll for wage payments to job card holders involved in the construction of a dugwell under the "Open Well Irrigation Scheme."
The issue came to light when the beneficiary, frustrated by the ongoing harassment, reported the matter through the toll-free number 1064 provided by the Odisha Vigilance. This complaint was registered on October 3, 2024, detailing the alleged extortion by Sahoo.
Acting swiftly on the information, Vigilance officials devised a plan and apprehended Sahoo as he accepted Rs 7,000 bribe from the beneficiary today. The entirety of the tainted money was recovered from him at the time of the arrest.
In addition to the arrest, simultaneous searches were conducted at three locations associated with Sahoo, focusing on his potential Disproportionate Assets (DA). This is part of the ongoing investigation to determine the full extent of his alleged corrupt practices.
In connection with this case, Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station has registered a case. Investigations are currently underway to gather further evidence and details surrounding the case.
