Why Was Odisha Vigilance Forced to Re-arrest Tehsildar So Soon?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, an Odisha Administrative Service officer has been re-arrested just a day after his release on bail. Discover the grim reality of corruption as the Odisha Vigilance uncovers assets that drastically exceed his legal income. This case raises critical questions about accountability in public service.
Key Takeaways
- Siba Mallick was re-arrested for corruption.
- His assets exceeded legal income sources by 190%.
- Mallick had been previously caught accepting a Rs 20,000 bribe.
- Separate bribery cases involve Jaleswar Municipality staff.
- Vigilance actions emphasize the fight against corruption.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (NationPress) Just one day after being granted bail in a trap case, a high-ranking officer of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) has been re-arrested by the Odisha Vigilance. This time, he faces allegations concerning assets that exceed his known income sources by approximately 190 percent.
The officer, named Siba Mallick, holds the position of Tahsildar in Mahakalpada, located in Kendrapara district.
Previously, Mallick was taken into custody on September 24 when anti-corruption officials caught him in the act, accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 from a complainant. This bribe was intended to facilitate the removal of an illegal structure that obstructed access to the complainant's home.
In the aftermath of his arrest, various teams from Odisha Vigilance conducted coordinated searches at multiple locations linked to Mallick, investigating the Disproportionate Assets allegations.
Following a comprehensive inquiry, it was revealed that Mallick possessed assets that were about 190 percent above his declared income. These assets included four buildings, seven valuable plots, deposits totaling Rs 18 lakhs, and Rs 1.55 lakh in cash, which he could not justify satisfactorily.
Consequently, he was arrested for the accumulation of properties that are disproportionate to his legal income sources.
In a separate incident, two employees from the Jaleswar Municipality in Balasore were also arrested by vigilance officers for accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a contractor. This bribe was solicited for clearing a pending bill related to works performed under the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiative in the area.
The accused were identified as Braja Gopal Ghose Mohapatra, a Dealing Assistant and Sanitation-cum-MIS Coordinator, and Ratikanta Patra, a Sanitation expert. The complainant had been urging Mohapatra to process the pending bill for over a month and a half.
However, Mohapatra and Patra allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 to expedite the processing of the paperwork, leading the complainant to report the situation to the Vigilance authorities.
Point of View
I believe that this incident underscores the ongoing challenges of corruption within government institutions. The Odisha Vigilance's swift action demonstrates the need for stringent oversight and accountability. It is crucial that the public maintains faith in its officials, and cases like these reveal the importance of transparency and integrity in governance.
NationPress
11/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Siba Mallick?
Siba Mallick was charged with possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, exceeding by approximately 190 percent.
When was Siba Mallick initially arrested?
He was initially arrested on September 24 while accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000.
What actions did the Odisha Vigilance take after Mallick's arrest?
Following his arrest, the Odisha Vigilance conducted simultaneous searches at various locations linked to Mallick to investigate the Disproportionate Assets allegations.
What other incidents of corruption are reported?
Two staff members from Jaleswar Municipality were apprehended for accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a contractor.
How does this case impact public trust?
Such incidents can erode public trust in government officials, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency.
