Bhubaneswar, Sep 12: In a sweeping anti-corruption drive, Odisha Vigilance has arrested three government officials, including an OAS, across different districts for bribery and embezzlement of public funds. The arrests underscore the state’s intensified efforts to root out corruption from public service.

In Sambalpur district, Aswini Kumar Panda, Tahsildar of Bamra, was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹15,000 in a land mutation case. It’s worth mentioning that Panda had topped the Odisha Civil Services Examination 2019.

Acting on a complaint by a local resident, the Vigilance team laid a trap and intercepted Panda’s driver, Praveen Kumar, while collecting the bribe on his behalf. Both were detained and taken to Sambalpur for further investigation.

Searches are underway at three locations linked to Panda. A case has been registered under Sambalpur Vigilance PS Case No.17/2025.

In Nayagarh, Chittaranjan Rout, the District Labour Officer, was arrested for demanding ₹6,000 from a poor labourer for issuing labour cards. Rout allegedly charged ₹300 per card and demanded ₹6,600 for processing 22 cards.

He was caught inside his office while accepting the bribe. Vigilance teams from Bhubaneswar and Nayagarh conducted simultaneous raids on his rented house and office, seizing critical documents and bank records.

As per reports, Rout was already under the vigilance radar for similar allegations. The case is registered under Bhubaneswar Vigilance PS Case No.19/2025.

In Mayurbhanj, Puspita Mahakud, a Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO), was arrested for embezzling ₹5.68 lakh government funds meant for Old Age Pension distribution. Mahakud allegedly diverted pension money intended for senior citizens, violating public trust and welfare protocols.

All three cases are being investigated under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Vigilance officials have assured that further legal action will follow, and more arrests may be made if deeper networks are uncovered.

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