Keonjhar, Sep 10: In a swift and decisive operation, Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday apprehended Rupchand Nayak, Junior Assistant at the Office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Nicolson Forest Training School, Champua, Keonjhar district, while accepting a bribe of ₹30,000 from a retired employee.

The complainant, who had voluntarily retired in 2024, had been persistently requesting Nayak to process his final pension papers and arrear salary bill. Despite repeated appeals, Nayak allegedly demanded ₹30,000 to complete the paperwork. Frustrated by the prolonged delay and harassment, the retired employee approached Odisha Vigilance with a formal complaint.

Acting on the tip-off, a vigilance team laid a trap and caught Nayak red-handed while accepting the bribe. The entire amount was recovered from his possession and seized as evidence.

Following the arrest, simultaneous searches are underway at two of Nayak’s premises to investigate disproportionate assets and other potential irregularities. The case has been registered under Balasore Vigilance PS Case No. 09/2025, U/s-7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.

Officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and a detailed report will be released soon. This incident underscores the state’s continued efforts to crack down on corruption within government departments and ensure transparency in public service delivery.