In a swift anti-graft operation on Saturday, Odisha Vigilance apprehended Madan Mohan Pradhan, Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police at Lahunipada Police Station in Sundaragada district, along with his associate Mandeep Kumar Dasmodak, a private individual, while they allegedly demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs 20,000.
According to Vigilance officials, the money was sought from an eatery owner to prevent his arrest and to help him in an Excise case registered against him and his younger brother. The ASI allegedly threatened the complainant that if the demanded amount was not paid, he would be arrested and forwarded to court.
Finding no other option, the eatery owner approached Vigilance authorities. A trap was laid the same day. A team from Odisha Vigilance caught Pradhan and Dasmodak while they were taking the bribe. The entire amount of Rs 20,000 was recovered from their possession and seized.
Following the trap, simultaneous searches were launched at three locations linked to ASI Pradhan to examine possible disproportionate assets.
Raurkela Vigilance Police Station Case No. 10 dated 29.08.2026 has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Investigation is underway against both accused. A detailed report is expected.
