What Led to the Arrest of an Odisha EPFO Official for a Rs 10,000 Bribe?
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Synopsis
The recent arrest of an EPFO official in Odisha has raised serious concerns regarding corruption in public services. This incident not only highlights the challenges faced by individuals in securing approvals but also sheds light on potential systemic issues within government organizations. Find out more about this unfolding story.
Key Takeaways
- Anil Rath was arrested for taking a bribe of Rs 10,000.
- The case was initiated based on a complaint from Suraj Kumar Dash.
- Rath's actions are under scrutiny as part of a larger investigation into corruption.
- The CBI is looking into the involvement of other EPFO officials.
- The incident underscores the need for greater transparency in public services.
Bhubaneswar, June 14 (NationPress) - The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended an official from the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in Odisha on allegations of accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a chartered accountant in exchange for the approval of applications related to two companies, as reported by an official on Saturday.
Anil Rath, who serves as the Senior Social Security Assistant (SSSA) at the EPFO Regional Office in Berhampur, Ganjam District, reportedly subjected the complainant to undue stress by delaying the necessary approvals, according to the official.
The CBI initiated a case against Rath on June 12, based on a complaint lodged by Suraj Kumar Dash.
Rath faces charges for soliciting an unlawful advantage under the Prevention of Corruption Act and for criminal conspiracy as per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The official allegedly requested a bribe of Rs 10,000 from Dash to facilitate the approval of the Authorised Signatory Application for two employers - Jai Jagannath Infratech and Uttam Padhi - on the EPFO portal.
Dash reported that his application had been consistently rejected by Rath from March to May on the basis of incomplete documentation.
“I returned to the EPFO Regional Office in Berhampur on June 11 to inquire about the status of my application. It was then that Anil Rath demanded Rs 10,000 (at a rate of Rs 5,000 per company) to approve the Authorised Signatory Application,” stated Dash in his complaint.
After some negotiation, the accused consented to accept the bribe of Rs 10,000, as confirmed by the CBI.
Upon receiving Dash's complaint, the CBI, ACB, Bhubaneswar, conducted verification on June 12.
The verification report, which corroborated the bribe demand, indicated that “the complaint and the subsequent verification report prima facie disclose the commission of a cognizable offence punishable under section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita alongside section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) by Anil Rath.”
The report also hinted at the potential involvement of other officials in the alleged bribery.
“During the verification process, Anil Rath referred to another EPFO officer as ‘Sir’. As this individual's identity remains unknown, their involvement will be investigated further,” noted the report.
Point of View
I uphold the values of impartiality and integrity in journalism. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating corruption within public institutions. Our commitment remains with the nation, advocating for transparency and accountability at all levels of governance.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason behind the arrest of the EPFO official?
The EPFO official was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a chartered accountant in exchange for approving applications related to two companies.
What action did the CBI take in this case?
The CBI registered a case against Anil Rath based on a complaint filed by Suraj Kumar Dash and conducted a verification that confirmed the demand for bribe.
What are the charges against Anil Rath?
Anil Rath faces charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act for demanding undue advantage and under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal conspiracy.
Who is Suraj Kumar Dash?
Suraj Kumar Dash is the chartered accountant who lodged the complaint against Anil Rath, alleging that his applications were being delayed for approval.
What does this incident reveal about public service in India?
This incident highlights ongoing issues of corruption and the challenges faced by individuals in navigating bureaucratic processes in public service.
