Balasore, Sept 23: A data entry operator posted at Simulia Block in Balasore district was caught red-handed by the Vigilance Department while accepting a bribe of Rs5,000.

The accused, identified as Biswaranjan Pradhan, allegedly demanded the bribe from one Naresh Muduli for processing an SC/ST marriage certificate. Acting on a complaint, a team from the Balasore Vigilance Division laid a trap and caught Pradhan while he was receiving the bribe money on Monday.

Following the arrest, vigilance officials launched simultaneous raids at multiple locations linked to the accused to gather further evidence.

An investigation is currently underway.