Did Odisha Vigilance Capture Tehsildar and His Accomplice for Bribery in Balasore?
Synopsis
In a significant move against corruption, the Odisha Vigilance department apprehended a tehsildar and his aide in Balasore for accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from a truck owner. This incident highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within public services in the state.
Key Takeaways
Odisha Vigilance continues to combat corruption effectively.
Tehsildar Daitari Mallik was caught accepting a bribe.
The bribe amount was negotiated down from Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 40,000 .
Simultaneous searches were conducted post-arrest.
A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act .
Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 (NationPress) In its unyielding fight against corruption, the Odisha Vigilance department apprehended two individuals on Thursday, including the tehsildar of Soro in Balasore district, after he was caught in the act of accepting a bribe from a local businessman.
According to a senior Vigilance official, Daitari Mallik, the Tehsildar of Soro, along with Dayanidhi Jena, a private associate, was arrested for allegedly receiving Rs 40,000 from a truck owner to expedite the release of five trucks detained under his jurisdiction. The trucks, loaded with stones, had been under Mallik's control since February 11.
Initially, Mallik demanded a bribe of Rs 1,00,000 to prevent the truck owner from facing severe penalties from the state's Mining department. When the truck owner expressed difficulty in meeting the demand, the Tehsildar negotiated down to Rs 40,000.
Faced with no other options, the truck owner filed a complaint with Vigilance authorities regarding the incident.
Upon receiving the complaint, Vigilance officials set up a trap on Thursday and successfully apprehended Tehsildar Mallik and his accomplice Jena in his office while they were accepting the bribe. The full amount of the bribe was retrieved in the presence of witnesses.
Following the operation, simultaneous searches were conducted at Mallik's rented residence in Soro, his rental property in Chandrasekharpur's BDA Colony Phase-2 in Bhubaneswar, and his office space.
A case has been registered at the Balasore Vigilance Police Station on February 18 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Point of View
I emphasize the vital role of transparency and accountability in governance. The ongoing efforts by the Odisha Vigilance department to tackle corruption are commendable and essential for restoring public trust in government officials. We must continue to support such initiatives that uphold integrity and serve the nation.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of the tehsildar and his aide?
The tehsildar, Daitari Mallik, was apprehended after being caught accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 to facilitate the release of detained trucks.
Where did the bribe-taking incident occur?
The incident took place in the office of the tehsildar in Soro, Balasore district, Odisha.
What actions were taken by the Vigilance department?
The Vigilance department laid a trap based on a complaint from the truck owner and recovered the bribe amount in the presence of witnesses.
What legal action has been initiated against the accused?
A case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 at the Balasore Vigilance Police Station.
What are the consequences of such corruption cases?
Such cases undermine public trust in governance and highlight the need for continued vigilance and accountability among public officials.
