Anganwadi supervisor caught red-handed by Odisha Vigilance while taking Rs 50,000 bribe

In a major crackdown on corruption, Odisha Vigilance officials on Thursday arrested an Anganwadi Supervisor, Renuka Pattnaik, of Laxmipur Block in Koraput district, while accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a newly appointed Anganwadi worker.

According to sources, the complainant, a newly engaged Anganwadi worker, was allegedly harassed by Pattnaik, who demanded Rs 50,000 in exchange for allowing her to work smoothly. 

Unable to bear the pressure, the complainant approached the Vigilance department, narrating the ordeal. Acting on the complaint, Vigilance sleuths laid a trap and caught Pattnaik red-handed while taking the bribe.

Following her arrest, simultaneous searches were carried out at three different locations linked to Pattnaik to investigate disproportionate assets (DA). Besides, a case has been registered under Koraput Vigilance P.S Case No. 14/2025 under Section 7 of the PC (Amendment) Act, 2018.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.

Also Read: Odisha Vigilance arrests amin for accepting bribe in Sundargarh

Vigilance Report Card: 2024

In 2024, the Vigilance department registered over 200 criminal cases, leading to the arrest of 181 individuals, including 50 Class-I officers such as chief engineers and assistant commissioners.

The agency also uncovered illicit assets exceeding Rs 131 crore in 60 disproportionate assets cases and maintained a conviction rate of 50%, rising to 80% in disproportionate assets cases.