Kendrapada, Nov 25: An Additional Revenue Inspector (ARI), of Garapur area in Kendrapara, was caught red-handed by the officials of Vigilance Department while accepting a bribe of Rs 12,000.

According to reports, the officer, identified as Abhimanyu Behera, was apprehended while accepting the gratification from one Srinath Mallik for facilitating a land classification change.

Later, as a part of the probe, the anti-corruption wing immediately launched simultaneous raids at Behera’s ancestral house, residential premises, and office in Garapur.

During the searches, the officials seized documents and began scrutinizing his assets to determine if they were disproportionate to his known sources of income.

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Officials stated that the operation was part of a larger drive to curb corruption in the revenue department, which has faced repeated allegations of bribery in land-related matters. The vigilance team is expected to file detailed reports after completing the raids and asset verification.

Further details awaited as investigation progresses.