Odisha Vigilance Nabs ASI in Bribery Sting, Uncovers Rs 3 Lakh Cash
In a significant crackdown on corruption, Odisha vigilance officials on Friday arrested an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) from Bargaon police station in Sundargarh district. The arrest followed a complaint from a local dhaba owner, who alleged that ASI Arupa Nanda Das (53) had demanded a bribe of Rs 25,000 to avoid arrest and ensure smooth business operations.
Bribe Trap Laid and Executed
The incident unfolded on Thursday when the dhaba owner reported the extortion attempt to the Rourkela division vigilance office. Acting swiftly, vigilance sleuths set up a trap and caught Das red-handed while he was accepting the bribe at a betel shop. This prompt action led to the immediate registration of a case against the accused officer.
Extensive Searches Yield Substantial Evidence
Following the arrest, vigilance teams conducted searches at four locations linked to Das, including his government quarters in Bhubaneswar and Badagaon. During these operations, officials recovered more than Rs 3 lakh in cash, specifically Rs 3.31 lakh, along with foreign currencies from Vietnam and Nepal. Investigations revealed that Das had visited Vietnam in May of the previous year, adding an international dimension to the probe.
Ongoing Investigation and Official Statement
The case is currently under active investigation, as confirmed by P K Dwivedi, Superintendent of Police for the vigilance division in Rourkela. Authorities are delving deeper into the sources of the recovered cash and the circumstances surrounding Das's foreign travels to determine if there are further instances of misconduct or illicit activities.
Key Details of the Case:
- Arrest: ASI Arupa Nanda Das arrested on Friday for bribery.
- Bribe Amount: Rs 25,000 demanded and accepted from a dhaba owner.
- Recoveries: Over Rs 3 lakh cash and foreign currencies seized during searches.
- Location: Incident occurred in Sundargarh district, with searches in Bhubaneswar and Badagaon.
- Status: Investigation ongoing under vigilance supervision.
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by Odisha's vigilance department to combat corruption within the police force, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards such illegal practices. The recovery of substantial cash and foreign money underscores the potential scale of the misconduct, prompting calls for stricter oversight and accountability measures in law enforcement agencies.
