Argus News - Odisha Vigilance Catches Cuttack RI Taking Bribe

Cuttack, Jan 22: Odisha Vigilance officials Thursday apprehended Janaki Ranjan Mallik, Revenue Inspector (RI) of Kakhadi Circle under Sadar Tahasil, Cuttack, while he was demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 from a land owner.

The bribe was sought to submit a favourable report in a mutation case and facilitate the issuance of Record of Rights (ROR/Patta).

The land owner had applied online for mutation and ROR issuance. RI Mallik had fixed January 27, 2026, as the hearing date, but summoned the applicant to his office on January 20, 2026. During the meeting, Mallik demanded ₹10,000 to ensure a favourable report. When the land owner expressed inability to pay, Mallik persisted. Left with no option, the land owner reported the matter to Vigilance authorities.

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Acting swiftly, a Vigilance team laid a trap and caught Mallik red-handed in his office while accepting the bribe. The entire tainted money was recovered and seized from his possession.

Following the arrest, simultaneous searches are being conducted at three locations linked to Mallik to investigate disproportionate assets (DA).

A case has been registered at Cuttack Vigilance Police Station (Case No. 3/2026) under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and further details will be shared in due course.

This incident underscores the Vigilance Department’s continued efforts to curb corruption in revenue administration and ensure transparency in land-related services. The arrest serves as a reminder that strict action awaits officials who misuse their authority for personal gain.