22.09.2025, a short while ago, Sri Biswaranjan Pradhan, Office Assistant-cum-Data Entry Operator, Welfare Section of Simulia Block, Dist-Balasore has been apprehended by Odisha Vigilance *while demanding and taking bribe Rs.5,000/-* of overall demand of bribe Rs.10,000/- from a complainant *for processing his application for grant of Govt. Assistance of Rs.2.5 lakhs under “Sumangal” scheme (for intercaste marriage) for marrying an SC girl on 31.03.2025*. For last 6 months, Complt. had been requesting accused Sri Pradhan to process his file for getting the benefit under Sumangal Scheme. But, accused Sri Pradhan demanded bribe Rs.10,000/- to process his file. When Complt. expressed inability to pay the demanded bribe, Sri Pradhan reduced the bribe amount to Rs.5,000/-. Finding no other means, complt alleged before Vigilance authorities narrating harassment by Sri Pradhan. Following this, a team of Odisha nabbed Sri Pradhan, today, while taking bribe Rs.5,000/- from the Complt. *The entire tainted bribe money Rs.5,000/- has been recovered and seized from possession of Sri Pradhan*.
Following the trap, simultaneous searches are going on at two locations of Sri Pradhan from DA angle.
In this connection, Balasaore Vigilance PS Case No.12/2025, U/s-7 PC (Amendment) Act, 2018 has been registered. Investigation is in progress against accused Sri Pradhan. Detailed report follows.
