JGLOBAL TIMES NEWS | SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 , AJPUR: The Odisha Vigilance Directorate has stepped up its investigation into an alleged bribery case involving an Assistant Engineer of Badachana Block in Jajpur district, recovering ₹5.15 lakh in cash during a subsequent search operation.
The officer, identified as Bandita Dash, and her alleged associate Somonath Sethy, were apprehended on Monday after Vigilance officials laid a trap over an alleged demand for ₹35,000. According to the Vigilance case details reported by local media, the money was allegedly sought in connection with the release of a security deposit and clearance of pending bills related to a construction work.
Following the trap operation, Vigilance teams conducted simultaneous searches at locations linked to Dash as part of an inquiry into possible disproportionate assets.
During the searches on Tuesday, officials recovered ₹5,15,200 in cash from her residential premises near Jenamani Mandap in Jagatpur, Cuttack. The recovered amount was subsequently seized for further examination as part of the investigation.
The initial bribery case centres on an allegation that the Assistant Engineer demanded money from an executant who had sought clearance of pending bills and release of a security deposit. Vigilance officials said the alleged bribe amount of ₹35,000 was recovered during the trap.
A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and the investigation is continuing. The seizure of cash from the residential premises is being examined in the context of the wider disproportionate-assets inquiry.
The latest action highlights the Vigilance Directorate’s continued scrutiny of alleged corruption and unexplained assets involving government officials in Odisha.
Note: The allegations are subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
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