Keonjhar DSSO Arrested for Accepting Rs 20,000 Bribe via PhonePe
Keonjhar, November 6, 2025 — In a major crackdown on corruption in Odisha’s welfare sector, the Vigilance Department arrested Biplab Keshari Samantaray, the District Social Security Officer (DSSO) of Keonjhar, for allegedly accepting a Rs 20,000 bribe through PhonePe from an NGO.
According to official sources, Samantaray demanded the bribe to facilitate agreements and expedite the release of grant-in-aid payments under various government social security schemes.
Following multiple complaints, the Vigilance Cell Division registered a case (PS Case No. 11/2025) under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Investigators uncovered suspicious digital transactions linked to Samantaray’s PhonePe account, as well as those of his family members and office staff. These transactions are currently under verification.
Simultaneous raids were conducted at three locations associated with Samantaray. The searches revealed significant assets, including:
- Ten plots in and around Bhubaneswar
- A three-storey building measuring approximately 3,000 square feet
- A simplex house
- A three-acre farmhouse in Madanpur
Authorities are now verifying whether these assets are disproportionate to his known sources of income. Samantaray is scheduled to be produced before the court today.
The arrest has sparked public concern over corruption in departments responsible for delivering welfare schemes. Vigilance teams continue to examine financial records and digital trails to build a comprehensive case.
