Odisha Vigilance Cracks Down on Corruption: ASI and Clerk Caught Red-Handed

In a decisive move against corruption, Odisha Vigilance officials apprehended two government employees in separate bribery cases on September 19 and 20, 2025.

The first arrest took place in Balasore, where Assistant Sub-Inspector Hrushikesh Biswal of Anantapur Outpost, Soro Police Station, was caught accepting Rs 8,000 to release a motorcycle involved in a road accident.

Despite the complainant’s financial hardship, Biswal allegedly insisted on a Rs 10,000 bribe before settling for less.

Vigilance officers laid a trap and recovered the entire amount from his possession. Searches are underway at two of his properties to investigate disproportionate assets. A case has been registered under Balasore Vigilance PS Case No. 11/2025.

In Sundargarh, Clerk-cum-Cashier Prithviraj Kamila of the Rukura Irrigation Project was arrested while accepting Rs 7,000—the second instalment of a Rs 20,000 bribe.

The money was allegedly demanded to process land compensation worth Rs 2.07 lakh for a tribal land loser. Kamila had previously taken Rs 10,000 and withheld the payment until the remaining amount was delivered.

Vigilance officials recovered the full bribe and launched searches at four associated locations. A case has been filed under Rourkela Vigilance PS Case No. 10/2025.

Both arrests were made under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. These operations underscore the state’s commitment to rooting out corruption and restoring public trust in governance.