Bhawanipatna, Nov 13: Odisha Vigilance officials on Thursday apprehended T. Bhenkatagiri Rao, Senior Clerk of the Rural Water Supply & Sanitation (RWS&S) Division at Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district, while accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 from a retired staffer, officials said.

The bribe was allegedly demanded to process a file related to pensionary benefits in favour of the complainant, they added.

Today, a short while ago, Sri T. Bhenkatagiri Rao, Senior Clerk, RWS&S Division, Bhawanipatna,#Kalahandi has been apprehended by #Odisha #Vigilance while taking bribe Rs.20,000/- from a retired staffer to process file for extending pensionary benefits in his favour.

— Odisha Vigilance (@OdishaVigilance) November 13, 2025

According to officials, the Vigilance team caught Rao red-handed during the transaction. In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, he tried to throw the bribe money out of the window upon spotting the Vigilance officers. However, the entire amount was promptly recovered and seized by the team.

Following the incident, Koraput Vigilance Police Station registered a case against the accused official under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. The investigation is currently underway to ascertain further details, including whether Rao had engaged in similar corrupt practices in the past.

The Odisha Vigilance has intensified its crackdown on corruption in government offices, particularly targeting officials who exploit vulnerable citizens, including pensioners and retired staff. This latest arrest highlights the department’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public service.