Bribe to issue birth certificate: Odisha Vigilance nabs health worker in Rayagada

A male health worker (MHW) posted at Muniguda Community Health Centre (CHC) in Rayagada district was caught red-handed by Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday while accepting a bribe for issuing a birth certificate.

The accused, identified as Kunja Bihari Rout, Male Health Worker-cum-Clerk at Muniguda CHC, was apprehended while taking the second and final installment of Rs 3,000 from a poor farmer, part of an overall bribe demand of Rs 6,000. 

The complainant had already paid Rs 3,000 earlier, but Rout allegedly insisted on the remaining amount before furnishing the certificate for the complainant’s son.

Unable to bear the harassment, the farmer approached Vigilance authorities, following which a trap was laid. Rout was nabbed in his office while accepting the bribe money, which was recovered from his possession and seized.

Following the trap, simultaneous searches are underway at two locations linked to the accused to examine disproportionate assets. 

A case under Section 7 of the PC (Amendment) Act, 2018, has been registered at Koraput Vigilance Police Station. Investigation is ongoing.

Further details are awaited.