Koraput, June 10: In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Odisha Vigilance apprehended Suchismita Parija, Assistant Engineer (AE) of Lamtaput Block, Koraput district, on June 10, 2025, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹8,000. The accused was reportedly demanding a total of ₹15,000 from a local villager to facilitate the release of a payment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREG) scheme.
According to Vigilance officials, Smt. Parija had previously received ₹5,000 from the complainant and was pressuring the individual to pay the remaining ₹10,000. The complainant, feeling harassed, approached the Vigilance authorities, leading to the setup of a trap. The accused was caught red-handed accepting the final installment of ₹8,000 at her government residence in Lamtaput.
The entire bribe amount was recovered from Smt. Parija's possession and has been seized. Following the arrest, simultaneous searches are being conducted at three locations linked to her to investigate potential disproportionate assets.
A case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, has been registered at the Koraput Vigilance Police Station (Case No. 22/2025). The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.
