Sambalpur ARI Suspended for Bribe Demand
In a decisive move against corruption, the Sambalpur district administration has suspended Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI) Surendra Sa for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 3,000 from applicants seeking student admission certificates.
The officer, posted at Sadar‑IV RI Circle under Sadar Tahasil, was accused of soliciting money to issue essential documents for educational enrollment.
Following media reports, the Collector of Sambalpur ordered his immediate suspension under the Odisha Revenue Department’s “zero tolerance” policy.
During the suspension period, Sa’s headquarters have been fixed at the Sub‑Collector’s office in Kuchinda.
He has been barred from leaving headquarters without prior permission and will receive only subsistence allowance.
The Tahasildar of Sadar has been directed to serve the suspension order, secure acknowledgement, and prepare draft charges for disciplinary proceedings.
This action follows recent instructions from the Revenue & Disaster Management Department to ensure speedy issuance of student certificates.
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and Additional Chief Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee had earlier warned that corruption in certificate processing would not be tolerated.
The suspension underscores the administration’s firm stance against graft and its commitment to safeguarding students’ rights to timely documentation.
