Polasara AFO Nabbed for Rs 8K Bribe via PhonePe; Vigilance Cracks Down on Digital Corruption
Polasara, Ganjam: In a swift operation, Odisha Vigilance arrested Assistant Fisheries Officer (AFO) Suresh Kumar Behera on October 15 for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000 through PhonePe from a beneficiary under the “Assistance to Network Fish Seed Growers” scheme.
Behera reportedly demanded the bribe to release a subsidy of Rs 1.38 lakh and issue a money receipt for Rs 43,000 paid toward fish spawn procurement from the government hatchery at Bhanjanagar.
The complainant, who had invested Rs 2.31 lakh in the project and was entitled to a 60% subsidy, faced repeated delays and harassment before reporting the matter.
Following the digital transaction, Vigilance officials apprehended Behera and seized his mobile phone. Simultaneous searches were launched at two locations linked to him to investigate disproportionate assets.
A case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, at Berhampur Vigilance Police Station.
This case underscores the evolving nature of corruption in public service delivery, with digital platforms increasingly being misused for illicit transactions. Odisha Vigilance’s prompt action reflects its commitment to curbing such practices.
