Odisha Vigilance Arrests Additional Tahsildar for Alleged Bribery in Sand Vehicle Case
In a significant crackdown on corruption, vigilance sleuths in Berhampur arrested an additional tahsildar of Belaguntha on Thursday for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. The official, identified as Kabiraj Sethi, was taken into custody after he purportedly demanded the money from a tractor owner to release his sand-laden vehicle, which had been detained since February 5.
Details of the Bribery Incident
The case unfolded when the tractor owner, despite submitting all necessary supporting documents, found his vehicle unlawfully held by the accused without any official recording. According to vigilance sources, Sethi not only collected a fine of Rs 30,000 as cess payment but also solicited an additional bribe of Rs 10,000 to facilitate the release of the tractor.
The entire tainted amount of Rs 10,000 was successfully recovered and seized from the accused during the operation. This recovery underscores the vigilance department's commitment to rooting out corrupt practices within government offices.
Investigation and Verification Processes
Following the arrest, vigilance authorities have initiated a thorough verification of the challans involved in this case. Discrepancies and missing details between the customer and office copies have raised concerns, prompting a detailed scrutiny to ensure accuracy and transparency. The investigation aims to uncover any further irregularities linked to the detained vehicle and the accused's conduct.
Simultaneous searches were conducted at two locations associated with Kabiraj Sethi, as part of the ongoing probe. These actions are intended to gather additional evidence and assess the extent of the alleged corrupt activities.
Broader Implications and Context
This arrest highlights ongoing issues of bribery and misconduct among some government officials in Odisha, particularly in sectors involving natural resources like sand mining. Vigilance efforts in the region have been intensified to combat such illegal practices, with this case serving as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those engaging in corruption.
The vigilance department's swift action in this matter reflects a broader strategy to enhance accountability and integrity within public administration. Authorities continue to urge citizens to report any instances of bribery or unethical behavior to help maintain a corruption-free environment.
