Did the Odisha Vigilance Arrest an OAS Officer for Corruption?
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Synopsis
The arrest of an OAS officer by Odisha Vigilance raises serious questions about corruption in administrative services. Caught red-handed, the officer demanded a bribe for issuing crucial financial documents. This incident highlights the ongoing fight against corruption within the government sector and its implications for public trust.
Key Takeaways
- Corruption remains a serious issue within government services.
- The vigilance is actively working to combat corruption.
- Transparency is crucial for public trust.
- The officer's career trajectory highlights systemic issues.
- Legal action under the Prevention of Corruption Act is significant.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (NationPress) The Odisha Vigilance apprehended an Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer on Wednesday after he was caught in the act of accepting a bribe from an employee in his office. The bribe was requested in exchange for facilitating the release of the employee's arrear salary and the Last Pay Certificate (LPC), which was critical for the employee's transfer.
The officer in question, Banamali Satpathy, is serving as the Executive Officer at the Belaguntha Notified Area Council (NAC) in Ganjam district.
According to a senior official, “The accused was soliciting a bribe of Rs. 25,000 from the complainant, who was facing difficulties in receiving his pending salary at his new posting. With no alternatives available, the complainant approached the Vigilance authorities.”
Acting on this tip-off, the Vigilance team set a trap and successfully apprehended Satpathy while he was accepting the bribe at Balipadar Bus Stop in Ganjam district.
The entire amount of the bribe was recovered from Satpathy in the presence of witnesses.
In the wake of this incident, simultaneous searches were conducted at Satpathy's government quarters, his office at Belaguntha, and a residential property in Kabisurya Nagar, Ganjam district.
Authorities discovered five buildings in Kabisurya Nagar and seven valuable plots, including one in Puri and six in Ganjam, owned by Satpathy and his family.
Additionally, cash amounting to Rs. 1,60,400 was confiscated from his residence in Kabisurya Nagar.
A case has been filed against Satpathy under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Satpathy commenced his government career as a Junior Clerk with the Koraput Collectorate in 1989 and ascended to the OAS cadre in 2022. He has been in his current role as Executive Officer of Belaguntha NAC since February.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of integrity within our government institutions. The recent arrest of an OAS officer underlines the need for vigilance and accountability in public service. We must ensure that our administrative framework remains transparent and free from corruption, fostering trust among citizens.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of the OAS officer?
The OAS officer was arrested after being caught accepting a bribe of Rs. 25,000 from a staff member in exchange for releasing their arrear salary and Last Pay Certificate.
What actions were taken following the arrest?
Following the arrest, searches were conducted at the officer's residences and office, leading to the discovery of multiple properties and cash.
Under what regulations is the officer being prosecuted?
The officer faces charges under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
What is the significance of this incident?
This incident highlights ongoing issues of corruption within government services, affecting public trust and transparency.
How long has the officer been in government service?
The officer has been in government service since 1989, rising through the ranks to the Odisha Administrative Service in 2022.
