IAS Officer Caught Red-Handed Accepting ₹10 Lakh Bribe in Odisha; Vigilance Recovers ₹47 Lakh from Residence

In a major crackdown on corruption, the Odisha Vigilance Department on Sunday caught an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh from a local businessman. The officer, posted as the Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh in Kalahandi district, was apprehended during a trap operation, the department said in an official release.

According to Vigilance officials, the bribe was reportedly an installment of a total ₹20 lakh demand made by the officer in exchange for an official favour. Acting on a complaint, the department laid a trap and caught the officer while accepting the first installment of the bribe.

Simultaneously, vigilance sleuths launched raids at multiple locations linked to the officer, including his official residence. During the search, unaccounted cash amounting to ₹47 lakh was recovered from his home, officials confirmed.

“A case has been registered, and further investigation is in progress. Additional searches are being conducted at other properties associated with the officer,” the release added.

This high-profile arrest has sent shockwaves across the administrative circles in Odisha. The Vigilance Department has intensified its anti-corruption drive, promising strict action against officials involved in unethical practices.

The identity of the officer has not been officially disclosed yet, pending further legal procedures.