Rayagada, August 13: In a swift operation, Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday apprehended Sri Kunja Bihari Rout, a Male Health Worker (MHW) cum Clerk posted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Muniguda, Rayagada district, while accepting a bribe of ₹3,000 from a complainant in exchange for issuing a birth certificate.

According to Vigilance officials, Rout had demanded a total bribe of ₹6,000 from a poor farmer for processing the birth certificate of his son. The complainant had already paid ₹3,000 earlier, but Rout allegedly continued to insist on the remaining amount. Left with no alternative, the complainant approached the Vigilance department, alleging harassment and bribery.

Acting on the complaint, a Vigilance team laid a trap and caught Rout red-handed in his office while accepting the second installment of ₹3,000. The entire tainted money was recovered from his possession and seized.

Following the arrest, simultaneous searches are underway at two of Rout’s premises to investigate any disproportionate assets. A case has been registered against him under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, at the Koraput Vigilance Police Station (Case No. 27/2025).

Investigation is ongoing. Further details are awaited.

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