Bhubaneswar, Jul 11: In a major anti-corruption operation, the Odisha Vigilance has booked Akshaya Kumar Sethy, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) posted at Nachuni Police Station in Khordha district, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe to settle two land dispute cases.

According to Vigilance officials, two cross-cases relating to a land dispute were registered at Nachuni Police Station on July 5, 2026, and Sethy was assigned as the investigating officer. Although both parties reached an amicable settlement on the same day, the ASI allegedly demanded ₹10,000, seeking ₹5,000 from each side, to dispose of the cases at the police station level.

One of the complainants, who had to return to his workplace outside Odisha, was allegedly instructed to submit an affidavit along with the bribe amount on July 10. Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Odisha Vigilance, prompting the agency to launch a trap operation.

Acting on the complaint, Vigilance officials laid a trap on the night of July 10. During the operation, Sethy allegedly accepted ₹5,000 from the complainant at a secluded location. However, after noticing the approaching Vigilance team, he managed to flee the spot on his motorcycle, taking the bribe money with him.

Following the incident, Vigilance teams launched simultaneous searches at multiple locations linked to the absconding officer in the presence of officials from Nachuni Police Station.

A case has been registered at the Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused ASI.