As part of the action against corruption in Odisha, the Vigilance Department has arrested Prasanna Kumar Patnaik, Executive Engineer of Rural Development Department, Rayagada, red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 2 lakh. Surprisingly, the accused officers were scheduled to retire on June 30, 2026, but got caught in the vigilance trap just a few days before retirement.
According to the information, a contractor had complained against this officer of the department. The contractor alleged that he had completed several works for the department, for which bills worth about Rs 50 lakh were pending. Besides, he needed a work experience certificate to participate in the new tender.
Prasanna Kumar had asked for a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh
It is alleged that Prasanna Kumar Patnaik had demanded a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh in exchange for approving the payment of bills and issuing experience certificates. The contractor expressed his inability to pay such a huge amount, after which during negotiations the bribe amount was reduced to Rs 2 lakh.
Vigilance department arrested in a planned manner
Troubled by the demand for bribe, the contractor informed the Vigilance Department. After receiving the complaint, Vigilance officers planned and laid a trap. Under this, the accused engineer was caught red-handed while taking Rs 2 lakh from the contractor. During the action, the Vigilance team recovered and confiscated the entire bribe amount of Rs 2 lakh from the possession of the accused. After the arrest, officials started raiding several places simultaneously.
During investigation, Vigilance officers were also surprised to see the luxurious house of the accused in Basundhara Colony, Nandan Vihar, Bhubaneswar. The most special thing about this grand house built in the prime area of the city is the swimming pool built on its roof. This property is under investigation and a detailed investigation is being conducted.
Watch video here
Rs 5.39 lakh bribe seized in cash
Apart from the house in Bhubaneswar, the vigilance team also searched his ancestral residence in Nayagarh, government residence and office room in Rayagada. During the search, Rs 3.39 lakh in cash was recovered from the government quarter in Rayagada. Including the bribe amount, a total of Rs 5.39 lakh in cash has been seized so far. A case has been registered in Koraput Vigilance Police Station under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation of the case is ongoing by the Vigilance Department and the movable and immovable properties as well as sources of income of the accused are also being investigated.
Watch video here
This action, which took place a few days before his retirement, has once again raised many questions regarding corruption in government departments. Now everyone’s eyes are fixed on the next revelations of the vigilance investigation.
Shubham Kumar’s report from Odisha
Also read: Bundle of notes found in officer’s bank locker, ₹ 1.50 crore cash found in only 1, 2 more lockers are yet to be opened
Today’s weather: How far has the monsoon reached? Rain alert with thunderstorm from Bihar to Mumbai; Heat increased in Delhi
SK Sharma is a content writer who writes on news, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She has over four years of experience and is known for conveying information in simple and clear language.
