Amin Arrested for Taking Bribe to Clear Building Plan in Puri

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Friday apprehended an Amin of Nimapara NAC in Puri district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe to process a building plan approval file.

According to Vigilance officials, Bijay Kumar Grahacharya was caught red-handed while receiving the third and final instalment of ₹17,000 from an applicant. This amount was part of an alleged total bribe demand of ₹30,000 for clearing the applicant’s building plan submitted in March.

Despite repeated follow-ups, Grahacharya allegedly delayed the approval process and initially demanded ₹33,000. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to ₹30,000. He had already accepted two instalments of ₹3,000 and ₹10,000 earlier.

Vigilance officials laid a trap based on the applicant’s complaint. As Grahacharya accepted the ₹17,000 instalment today, he noticed the Vigilance team and attempted to drop the tainted money on the footrest of a scooter parked outside the office. However, officials intercepted him and recovered the cash.

Simultaneous searches were conducted at two locations linked to the accused to assess whether he possessed assets disproportionate to his known income.

A case has been registered at the Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act. Further investigation is underway.