Sambalpur, Dec 15: The Vigilance officials on Friday apprehended an Asst. Fisheries Officer (AFO) in Odisha's Sambalpur district for allegedly demanding and accepting bribe from a SHG (Self Help Group).

The accused AFO has been identified as Snehalata Mohanty. She was posted at Naktideul in Sambalpur district.

Today, Smt. Snehalata Mohanty, Asst. Fisheries Officer, Naktideul, #Sambalpur has been apprehended by #Odisha #Vigilance for taking bribe Rs.20,000/- in shape of unnamed Bank Cheque from a SHG for release of subsidy amount in the Scheme "Carp Grow-out in GP Tanks by WSHGS".

— Odisha Vigilance (@OdishaVigilance) December 15, 2023

According to official sources, accused Mohanty was apprehended by Odisha Vigilance for demanding and accepting of bribe Rs.20,000 in the form of an unnamed signed Bank Cheque from a SHG (Self Help Group) for facilitating release of the subsidy amount  in their favour in the Scheme "Carp Grow-out in GP Tanks by WSHGS".

Based on the complaint, the vigilance officials laid a trap and held the accused AFO while she was taking the Bank Cheque.
The tainted Bank Cheque and connected documents have been seized from the possession of accused Mohanty and seized, sources said.

Following trap, the anti-corruption wing officials conducted simultaneous searches on properties of Mohanty at two locations associated with accused Mohanty  on charges of amassing  disproportionate assets.

Read More Odisha News

A case has been registered against the accused AFO under various sections of Prevention of Corruption Act 2018 at Sambalpur Vigilance police station. Further investigation is underway, Vigilance officials said.