Odisha Vigilance arrested Assistant Fisheries Officer (AFO) Suresh Kumar Behera from Polasara, Ganjam, for accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000 through PhonePe from a beneficiary under the “Assistance to Network Fish Seed Growers” scheme.
On October 15, 2025, Behera allegedly demanded the bribe to release a subsidy of approximately Rs 1.38 lakh and issue a money receipt for Rs 43,000 paid toward fish spawn procurement from the government hatchery at Bhanjanagar. The beneficiary had invested Rs 2.31 lakh in the project and was entitled to a 60% subsidy.
Despite repeated requests, Behera delayed issuing the receipt and insisted on a digital payment to his mobile number. The complainant, frustrated by the harassment, reported the matter to Odisha Vigilance.
Soon after the transaction, Vigilance officials apprehended Behera and seized his mobile phone. Following the trap, simultaneous searches began at two locations linked to the accused to investigate disproportionate assets.
Berhampur Vigilance Police Station registered Case No. 15 dated 15.10.2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. The investigation is currently underway.
This case highlights the growing use of digital platforms in bribery and the proactive steps taken by Odisha Vigilance to curb corruption in public service delivery.
