Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: In a significant crackdown on corruption, Odisha’s vigilance authorities have arrested 17 police officers for accepting bribes over the past 10 months. These officers were caught during an extensive anti-corruption drive, and their arrests highlight ongoing issues of bribery within the state’s police force.

According to reports, the arrested officers were involved in money extortion from the public, often taking advantage of people's financial hardships. Despite efforts by the government to provide various resources to the police, including vehicles and other essential equipment, these officers continued to engage in corrupt practices, such as extorting money from people involved in criminal cases.

The state government had introduced financial support measures for investigators, including monetary rewards for officers handling sensitive cases like murder, rape, and kidnapping. For example, investigators working on murder cases could receive up to Rs. 25,000, while those handling cybercrime could earn Rs. 45,000 for arresting criminals outside the state. These rewards were intended to encourage ethical conduct, but the system has not eliminated all instances of bribery.

Vigilance officers are now focusing on exposing bribery tactics used by police officers, such as demanding money to pursue cases or to avoid pressing charges. In one of the most shocking cases, seven out of the 17 arrested officers were caught red-handed accepting bribes, leading to their arrest and imprisonment.

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