Vigilance Trap / OAV Principal in Kalahandi Held for Taking Rs 10,000 Bribe

Bhawanipatna, Jul 22: Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday apprehended Sitakanta Rana, Principal of Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya (OAV), Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi district, while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs10,000 from a Self Help Group (SHG) functionary to clear pending bills for cleaning works, officials said.

According to officials, the complainant had been requesting release of bills for three months in the current financial year. However, Rana allegedly demanded Rs10,000 to facilitate clearance. Unable to meet the demand, the SHG functionary approached Vigilance authorities, alleging harassment.

Acting on the complaint, a team of Vigilance officers laid a trap and caught Rana red-handed while receiving the bribe amount. The bribe money was recovered from his possession and seized in the presence of witnesses.

Following the trap, simultaneous searches were launched at two locations linked to Rana to examine disproportionate assets.

A case has been registered at Koraput Vigilance Police Station under Case No. 17/2026, U/s-7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2028. Investigation is underway to ascertain further details of the alleged misconduct.
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Officials said the Vigilance operation reflects the department’s continuing drive against corruption in government institutions. The incident has raised concerns over accountability in educational administration, particularly in Odisha Adarsh Vidyalayas, which were established to provide quality schooling in rural and tribal areas.

The Vigilance Directorate has reiterated its appeal to citizens to report instances of bribery and harassment, assuring strict action against erring officials.