Cuttack Revenue Inspector Caught Red-Handed in Bribery Sting Operation
In a significant crackdown on corruption, vigilance officials in Cuttack district arrested revenue inspector Janaki Ranjan Mallik on Thursday for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a landowner. The arrest followed a meticulously planned trap after the victim approached authorities with a formal complaint.
Details of the Corruption Allegation
The case revolves around a mutation application filed online by the landowner, who sought to obtain the record of rights (RoR) for his property. Although the official hearing was scheduled for January 27, Mallik, who serves as the revenue inspector of Kakhadi circle under Sadar tehsil, reportedly summoned the applicant to his office on January 20. During this meeting, he allegedly demanded Rs 10,000 in exchange for submitting a favorable report and issuing the patta (land title document).
Unwilling to succumb to this illegal demand, the landowner demonstrated remarkable courage by approaching the vigilance department and lodging a formal complaint. This proactive step set the stage for a decisive anti-corruption operation.
The Vigilance Trap and Arrest
Acting swiftly on the complaint, vigilance officers laid a strategic trap to catch the accused in the act. Mallik was apprehended red-handed in his office while accepting the bribe money. The entire sum of Rs 10,000 was recovered from his possession and seized as crucial evidence in the case.
A vigilance officer involved in the operation stated, "Based on the complaint, a trap was laid by vigilance officers. Mallik was caught red-handed in his office while accepting the bribe amount. The entire sum of Rs 10,000 was recovered from his possession and seized as evidence. A case has been registered against him."
Simultaneous Searches and Investigation
Following the arrest, vigilance teams conducted simultaneous searches at three locations connected to Mallik. These searches aim to probe possible disproportionate assets and are part of a broader investigation into his financial dealings. The authorities are leaving no stone unturned to uncover any illicit wealth accumulated through corrupt practices.
The vigilance department has registered a case against Mallik under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. This legal action underscores the seriousness of the offense and the commitment to upholding integrity in public service.
Ongoing Probe and Broader Implications
Further investigation is currently underway to ascertain whether Mallik was involved in similar corrupt practices in other cases. This incident highlights the persistent challenges of graft in land administration and the critical role of vigilance mechanisms in combating such malpractices.
The arrest sends a strong message about zero tolerance for corruption, particularly in processes affecting land rights and property documentation. It also emphasizes the importance of citizen vigilance and cooperation with authorities to expose and eradicate corrupt elements within the system.
