Bhubaneswar, 18 June (H.S.): Odisha Vigilance on Thursday apprehended a forester posted under the Delang Forest Range in Puri district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000 from a tractor owner.
The accused, identified as Rakesh Kumar Panda, Forester of Ankui Beat under Delang Forest Range, was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe from the complainant during a Vigilance trap operation.
According to Vigilance officials, Panda had allegedly demanded the bribe to allow the complainant's tractor to use a forest road for transporting excavated earth to be dumped on his agricultural field. The forester had reportedly threatened to seize the vehicle if it was found using the forest road without prior permission.
Unable to meet the illegal demand, the tractor owner approached Odisha Vigilance and lodged a complaint. Acting on the complaint, Vigilance officials laid a trap and apprehended Panda while he was accepting the bribe amount.
The entire tainted money amounting to Rs 25,000 was recovered from the possession of the accused and subsequently seized as evidence.
Following the trap, simultaneous searches are being conducted at two locations linked to the accused from the disproportionate assets (DA) angle, officials said.
In connection with the case, Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station Case No. 11 dated June 17, 2026, has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Further investigation is underway, and Vigilance officials said a detailed report will be released after completion of the ongoing inquiry.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
