Bargarh, May 6: A District Resource Person (DRP) engaged under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme was apprehended by Odisha Vigilance in Bargarh district on charges of accepting a bribe to facilitate the release of subsidy funds, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Rakshi Meher, was working under the General Manager of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Bargarh. She was allegedly caught by a Vigilance team while accepting Rs 30,000 from a scheme beneficiary, who deposited the amount into her bank account following her instructions.

According to Vigilance authorities, the complainant had availed a loan of Rs 8.64 lakh on March 15, 2026, to set up a bakery unit under the PMFME scheme. Under the scheme provisions, the beneficiary was entitled to a subsidy of 35 per cent, amounting to Rs 3,02,400.

Despite repeated requests by the beneficiary for processing and release of the subsidy, Meher allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 30,000 to clear the file. She is also accused of sharing her bank account details via SMS and instructing the complainant to transfer the amount.

Refusing to comply with the demand, the beneficiary approached Odisha Vigilance and lodged a formal complaint.

Acting on the complaint, Vigilance officials laid a trap and apprehended Meher at the time of the transaction. Her mobile phone and the bank deposit receipt were seized as evidence.

Subsequently, simultaneous searches were carried out at three locations associated with the accused to probe possible disproportionate assets.

A case has been registered at Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Further investigation into the matter is in progress, officials added.