Did Odisha Vigilance Arrest an Additional Tahasildar for Bribery?
Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the Odisha Vigilance has arrested an Additional Tahasildar for accepting a bribe from a businessman, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the region. Another government official was also apprehended for disproportionate assets, showcasing a commitment to transparency.
Key Takeaways
Odisha Vigilance is actively combating corruption.
Additional Tahasildar arrested for demanding bribes.
Another government official apprehended for disproportionate assets.
Public trust in governance is being restored through accountability.
Awareness about corruption is crucial for citizens.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Odisha Vigilance apprehended an Additional Tahasildar on Thursday after he was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe from a businessman in the Belaguntha locality of Ganjam district.
According to sources from the Vigilance, the accused, Kabiraj Sethi, Additional Tahasildar of Belaguntha, had unlawfully detained a tractor laden with sand on February 5 without any formal record.
Sethi was allegedly coercing the tractor owner, who is involved in the minor minerals trade, to pay a bribe amounting to Rs 40,000 for the release of the tractor.
Despite the owner providing relevant documents, the accused Addl. Tahasildar insisted on a bribe to facilitate the release. According to the complaint, on Thursday, when the victim approached Sethi, he collected Rs 30,000 as a tax/cess payment and accepted a bribe of Rs 10,000.
Upon receiving the complaint, the Vigilance team set up a sting operation and caught Sethi in his office, demanding and accepting illegal financial benefits from the tractor owner. The entire sum of the bribe was recovered from Sethi in front of witnesses.
Following the operation, simultaneous raids were conducted at Sethi's official residence in Belaguntha and his private house in Nachuni, Khordha district.
Consequently, the Additional Tahasildar was arrested on Thursday. In another significant case, the anti-corruption operatives also apprehended a government employee linked to a disproportionate assets investigation.
The individual, Subrat Kumar Behera, currently serving as a Junior Assistant in the office of the CDMO, Angul, was discovered to possess assets exceeding 205 percent of his declared income.
Previously, Behera was accused of misappropriating Rs 2.38 crore by drawing excess salary amounts from 2017 to 2025 while working as a Junior Assistant, which was deposited into his salary account at SBI, Angul Branch.
Investigations indicated that Behera illicitly withdrew a Basic Pay ranging from Rs 3,36,100 to Rs 7,36,100 between 2022 and 2025 and drew a dearness allowance of Rs 9,05,827 to Rs 14,06,300 from March to June 2021,” disclosed a senior vigilance officer.
Point of View
I believe that these arrests by the Odisha Vigilance reflect a necessary step towards eradicating corruption in public service. Such actions not only deter misconduct but also restore public trust in administrative systems. It is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and support initiatives aimed at transparency and accountability.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested by the Odisha Vigilance?
An Additional Tahasildar named Kabiraj Sethi was arrested for accepting a bribe from a businessman.
What was the amount of the bribe?
The bribe amount was Rs 10,000, in addition to a tax/cess payment of Rs 30,000.
What other case was reported on the same day?
A Junior Assistant named Subrat Kumar Behera was arrested for holding disproportionate assets.
What were the findings against Subrat Kumar Behera?
Behera was found to possess assets worth 205% more than his declared income and was previously accused of misappropriating Rs 2.38 crore.
What actions are being taken against corruption in Odisha?
The Odisha Vigilance is actively conducting operations to arrest corrupt officials and investigate cases of disproportionate assets.
