Bhubaneswar, 17 August (H.S.): The Odisha Vigilance on Monday apprehended Dr Satyajit Behera, an Assistant Surgeon at Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a functionary of an NGO engaged in assisting unidentified and destitute patients.

According to Odisha Vigilance, the NGO had been engaged by Capital Hospital to assist unidentified and destitute patients visiting the Casualty department for treatment. Employees engaged by the NGO required work certificates from the hospital for the release of their salaries for June and July 2026.

The NGO functionary had reportedly been approaching Dr Behera since June for signing the required work certificate. However, the doctor allegedly demanded Rs 30,000 for facilitating the process.

Following the alleged demand and harassment, the NGO functionary approached the Odisha Vigilance authorities and lodged a complaint.

Acting on the complaint, a Vigilance team laid a trap on Monday and allegedly caught Dr Behera while accepting Rs 30,000 from the complainant. The tainted money was recovered from his possession and seized, the agency said.

Following the trap, simultaneous searches were launched at three locations linked to the accused doctor to examine possible disproportionate assets.

In connection with the case, Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station Case No. 19, dated August 16, 2026, has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.

The Odisha Vigilance has initiated an investigation into the allegations against Dr Behera. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda