Baripada, Dec 6: Odisha Vigilance on Saturday apprehended Hemanta Kumar Behera, ADEO (Accountant-cum-Data Entry Operator) of Talapada Gram Panchayat under Badasahi block, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹2,500 from a beneficiary under the MGNREGS.
According to Vigilance officials, the beneficiary-a poor marginal farmer-had been sanctioned a farm pond under the scheme, which primarily benefits SC/ST, BPL, and small/marginal farmers. Despite repeated requests for over a month, Behera allegedly refused to generate the required work code unless the bribe was paid. The work code is essential for issuing the work order.
Unable to pay the demanded amount, the beneficiary reported the matter to Odisha Vigilance. Officials said previous complaints had also been received against Behera for similar misconduct involving other beneficiaries.
Acting on the complaint, a Vigilance team conducted a trap today and caught Behera red-handed while accepting the bribe. The entire bribe amount was recovered from his possession and seized.
Following the arrest, simultaneous searches at two locations linked to Behera are underway to probe assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Balasore Vigilance Police Station has registered Case No. 18 dated 05.12.2025 under Section 7 of the PC (Amendment) Act, 2018. A detailed report is awaited.
