Bhubaneswar, 18 June (H.S.): Odisha Vigilance arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of police and a Home Guard in connection with an alleged bribery case involving the release of seized mobile phones.

The accused have been identified as ASI Rajesh Kulu, posted at Mancheswar Police Station, and Home Guard Jyoti Ranjan Behera. The duo was apprehended during a Vigilance operation after Kulu was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting a bribe amount of Rs 20,000 from a complainant.

According to Vigilance officials, the action was initiated following a formal complaint alleging extortion by police personnel. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had demanded a total bribe of Rs 50,000 from a person seeking the return of two mobile phones that had been seized in connection with an official matter.

Investigators found that the bribe amount was allegedly collected in installments. On June 12, the accused reportedly accepted an initial payment of Rs 30,000 from the complainant and subsequently returned one of the two seized mobile phones.

The remaining Rs 20,000 was allegedly demanded for the release of the second mobile phone. Acting on the complaint, Odisha Vigilance laid a trap and caught the ASI while accepting the final installment. The accompanying Home Guard was also detained during the operation.

Both accused have been taken into custody, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of their involvement in the bribery case. Vigilance officials said appropriate legal action is being initiated against the accused.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda