Engineer Arrested for Bribery Just Days Before Retirement
In a major crackdown on corruption, the Odisha Vigilance department arrested a state government engineer on charges of accepting a bribe of Rs 2 lakh just days before his scheduled retirement. The engineer, identified as Pramod Kumar Mohapatra, was serving as an Assistant Engineer in the Rural Development Department under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department. The arrest took place on June 24, 2026, following a complaint lodged by a contractor who alleged that Mohapatra demanded the bribe to clear pending bills.
Details of the Trap Operation
According to vigilance officials, a trap was laid after the contractor approached them with the complaint. The accused was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe amount at his office in the district headquarters. During the operation, the vigilance team also seized incriminating documents and other evidence. Mohapatra, who was set to retire in a few days, had allegedly been using his position to extract bribes from contractors for years.
Luxury Home and Undisclosed Assets Uncovered
Following the arrest, a search of Mohapatra's premises led to the discovery of a lavish house and several undisclosed assets. The vigilance team found a newly constructed luxury home in a posh locality, which the engineer had failed to declare in his property statements. Officials also unearthed details of multiple bank accounts, fixed deposits, and investments that were disproportionate to his known sources of income. The estimated value of the undisclosed assets runs into several crores of rupees.
Impact and Legal Proceedings
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the state's engineering department, with many questioning the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. Mohapatra has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act and is currently in judicial custody. The vigilance department has launched a detailed investigation to trace the full extent of his ill-gotten wealth. This case highlights the persistent challenge of corruption in public works departments, where contractors often face demands for bribes to get their dues cleared.
