Odisha Vigilance today apprehended two staffers of the Cooperation Department in Titlagarh, Bolangir district, for demanding and receiving a bribe of Rs 70,000 through a bank deposit.
The accused, identified as Anil Kumar Panda, Senior Assistant, and Harekrushna Majhi, Peon, both from the office of ARCS, Titilagarh Circle, allegedly demanded Rs 1 lakh from a retired employee to facilitate the release of arrear salary under the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme. The employee retired in January 2025 but faced delays in receiving his arrears.
Despite repeated requests, Panda refused to process the file and instead demanded the bribe. He instructed the retired staffer to deposit Rs 70,000 as the first instalment into Majhi’s bank account. Aggrieved by the harassment, the retired employee approached the Vigilance authorities.
Acting on the complaint, a Vigilance team laid a trap and nabbed both Panda and Majhi after they received the bribe amount through bank transfer. Officials confirmed that simultaneous searches are underway at their residences and offices to examine disproportionate assets.
Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station registered Case No. 06 dated 20.05.2026 under Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Investigation against both accused is in progress.
