Bhubaneswar, 1 May (H.S.): In a significant anti-corruption operation, Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday apprehended Sri Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan, Assistant Fisheries Officer (AFO) of Biramaharajpur, along with a private individual Sri Babulal Barik, while accepting a bribe of ₹30,000 from a Women Self Help Group (WSHG) for the release of a government subsidy.
According to official sources, the bribe was demanded in connection with the release of the second phase subsidy under the “Carp Grow-out in GP tank by WSHG” scheme. Initially, Pradhan had allegedly demanded ₹45,000 from the complainant, but later reduced the amount to ₹30,000 after the complainant expressed her inability to pay the full sum.
Left with no alternative, the complainant reported the matter to Odisha Vigilance, which promptly laid a trap. As per the operation, Pradhan accepted the bribe through Barik, following which both were caught red-handed. The entire bribe amount of ₹30,000 was recovered and seized from the accused duo.
The two have been detained at the Sonepur Fisheries Office for further questioning, and simultaneous searches are currently underway at two premises linked to Pradhan and one belonging to Barik as part of the Disproportionate Assets (DA) angle of the investigation.
A case has been registered at Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station under Case No. 10 dated 30.04.2025, invoking Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Vigilance officials confirmed that investigation is ongoing, and a detailed report will follow.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
