Odisha Vigilance today apprehended Suraj Bala, Revenue Inspector of Jharapali Circle under Malkangiri Tahasil, while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000 from an applicant to facilitate issuance of a Scheduled Caste certificate for his spouse.
The complainant had applied online as per government rules and deposited the requisite fee. However, Bala allegedly delayed the process and demanded Rs 10,000, asking for Rs 8,000 upfront and the remaining Rs 2,000 after completion. Acting on the complaint, Vigilance officials laid a trap and caught Bala red‑handed in his office chamber. The entire tainted amount was recovered and seized.
Simultaneous searches are underway at two locations linked to Bala from the disproportionate assets angle. A case has been registered under Koraput Vigilance P.S. Case No. 19/2026, U/s 7 PC (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Officials noted that Bala had earlier been involved in another trap case in 2023, where he was caught taking Rs 15,000 for issuance of a notice of appearance in an EC case. That case remains sub judice.
