In a significant move against corruption, Odisha Vigilance apprehended Assistant Fisheries Officer (AFO) Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan from Biramaharajpur in Subarnapur district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs30,000.
Pradhan, alongside his associate, Babulal Barik, was caught red-handed by the Vigilance team while receiving the illicit payment. The bribe was allegedly for the release of the second phase of the subsidy under the ‘Carp Grow-out in GP tank by WSHG’ scheme, which aims to benefit local women’s self-help groups.
According to reports, Pradhan initially demanded Rs45,000. However, after the complainant expressed her inability to pay the full amount, the demand was reduced to Rs30,000. Vigilance officials took quick action following the complaint, apprehending the duo while they were accepting the bribe.
The entire bribe amount of Rs30,000 was seized from their possession. A case has been filed against both Pradhan and Barik under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigations are underway, including simultaneous searches at various locations to gather more evidence.
Odisha Vigilance has assured that it will continue to pursue such cases and work towards eradicating corruption within government services.
