Dhenkanal, May 28: In a major crackdown on corruption, the Odisha Vigilance Department on Tuesday apprehended Shashi Bhushan Behera, Revenue Inspector (RI) and in-charge of Gandanal Revenue Circle under Hindol Tehsil in Dhenkanal district, while accepting a bribe of ₹60,000 for facilitating land mutation cases.
The bribe was allegedly taken in connection with the processing of four separate land mutation applications. Acting on a tip-off, the vigilance team laid a trap and caught Behera red-handed with the assistance of his personal peon, Bishnu Ballabh Khatua, who is also accused of playing a key role in the illegal transaction.
Following the arrest, vigilance officials conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations linked to the accused RI, including his rented accommodation in Dakshinakali area of Dhenkanal town, his ancestral home in Khankhar village under Joranda, and his government office at Rasol in Gandanal.
Both Behera and Khatua have been taken to the Dhenkanal Vigilance Office for questioning. A detailed investigation is currently underway to uncover further assets and potential irregularities.
