By Biswanath Dash
BHUBANESWAR: First case of bribe Rs 12 Lakhs by cheque mode also highest bribe amount in a case. Earlier, it was 10 lakhs in Manasi Jena case.
Today, on the allegation of demand and acceptance of bribe Rs.12,00,000/- (Rupees Twelve Lakhs) from a complainant in order to release the land acquisition award of Rs.51,75,810/- in his favour, searches are being conducted in the office and premises of Sri Charles Nayak, Tahasildar, Karanjia at the following places:
1) Office room of Tahasildar-Karanjia.
2) Official residence of Tahasildar, Karanjia located at Karanjia.
3) Residential house of Sri Charls Nayak located near Dist Hospital, Bhadrak.
4) Another place located at Chadei Bhol, Karanjia.
4- teams of Odisha Vigilance led by one Addl SP, 7 DySPs, 3 Inspectors and other staff are conducting searches on the strength of search warrants issued by the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Baripada.
The complainant was awarded a compensation of Rs 51,75,810/- recently in lieu of acquisition of his land by the NHAI authorities. The Tahsildar demanded the bribe amount in the form of two blank cheques of Rs.10 lakhs and Rs.2 lakhs, in order to release the compensation cheque of the complainant. Finding no alternative, the complainant handed over 2 blank cheques to the Tahasildar.
After handing over and presentation of cheques in the bank for withdrawal of the bribe amount, the complainant reported the matter to Vigilance for legal action. In this connection, Vigilance Cell PS Case No.5/2023 has been registered. Investigation is in progress.
