Bhubaneswar, Aug 27: Vigilance officials in Bhubaneswar have apprehended Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Sarita Barik, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000 from the owner of a bakery shop. The bribe was reportedly demanded in exchange for exempting the bakery from a fine and penalty related to unpaid tax dues amounting to Rs 2,27,147.
The bakery shop owner had approached Barik, seeking leniency on the tax liability. In response, Barik allegedly demanded the bribe. The shop owner, however, lodged a complaint with the Vigilance Department, which set up a trap. Barik was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe inside her car near Aakash Institute in Madhusudan Nagar, Bhubaneswar.
A case has been filed against Barik under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and an investigation is currently underway. In addition, simultaneous searches are being carried out at three locations connected to Barik to examine potential disproportionate assets.
Authorities have vowed to take strict action in the case, ensuring transparency and accountability in government services.
