Odisha Vigilance on Monday apprehended Bandita Dash, Assistant Engineer of Badachana Block in Jajpur district, and her associate Somonath Sethy, a private person, while they were allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 35,000 to release a security deposit and clear pending bills.
The complainant, an executant engaged in the construction of a school in Badachana Block, had submitted bills for payment. When he sought release of the security deposit and clearance of the pending bills, Dash allegedly demanded Rs 35,000 to process both. Claiming harassment, he approached Vigilance.
A trap was laid. A Vigilance team caught Dash and Sethy while they were taking the money from the complainant. The entire tainted amount of ₹35,000 was recovered from them and seized, officials said.
Following the trap, simultaneous searches were launched at three locations linked to Dash to examine possible disproportionate assets. Kataka Vigilance Police Station has registered Case No. 38 (dated 27 Sept) under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Investigation against both accused is in progress.
The episode adds to a run of trap cases by Odisha Vigilance against officials accused of delaying legitimate payments on public works unless a cut is paid. School construction bills and refund of security deposits are routine administrative steps; demanding money to complete them, if proved, is an offence under the anti-corruption law.
A detailed report from the Directorate is awaited.
