Deputy ranger caught red-handed while taking bribe; Vigilance raids uncover cash, gold in Odisha

In a major crackdown on corruption, Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday apprehended Deputy Ranger Asit Pattnayak of Bisra Range in Sundargarh district for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 18,000. The officer was caught red-handed while taking the illegal gratification from a vehicle owner to release hire charges of his vehicle pre-engaged for official purposes, the Vigilance officials said in a statement.
Subsequently, a coordinated series of raids was launched at multiple locations linked to him.

According to official sources, four different premises, including Pattnayak’s residential building, were under search operations by multiple vigilance teams. The raids, which began immediately after the trap operation, were still underway and carried out based on credible information of disproportionate assets.

During the searches, officials seized approximately Rs 8.37 lakh in unaccounted cash and reportedly discovered gold ornaments weighing around 390 grams. These items were recovered from various locations believed to be connected to the officer, including his residence and other suspected hideouts.

Asit Pattnaik was serving as the Deputy Ranger in the Bisra forest range under the Sundargarh Forest Division. His trap by the Vigilance department has raised serious questions about corruption in the state's forest department, particularly at the ground level where officers directly handle forest resources and the public interface.

Sources said the bribe was demanded for a routine official favour, and a formal complaint had been filed with the Vigilance Department by the affected individual. Acting swiftly, vigilance officials laid a trap and apprehended the officer while he was accepting the money.

The investigation team is currently verifying documents and property records to assess the extent of assets amassed by Pattnaik beyond his known sources of income. If proven, the case will fall under the ambit of disproportionate assets and could lead to further criminal and departmental proceedings.

The Odisha Vigilance Directorate has intensified its efforts in recent months to root out corruption among government employees. This arrest is part of the department’s broader strategy to ensure transparency and accountability in public service.