Mahanadi Coalfields (MCL) manager caught by CBI while taking bribe

The Sub-Area Manager of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited’s (MCL) Rampur coal mines, Asit Kumar, was caught red-handed by the CBI team while accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. The official, posted at Brajrajnagar in Jharsuguda district, was allegedly taking the bribe for releasing pending dues of displaced persons for rehabilitation.

Acting on a tip-off, a CBI team from Bhubaneswar laid the trap and arrested him while he was accepting the money. So far, no official reaction has been received from MCL or the concerned officer regarding the incident.

Recently, a Superintending Engineer of the Angul Irrigation Division, identified as Surendra Behera, was arrested by vigilance officials in Rourkela after being found in possession of assets far exceeding his known income.

Seized properties include a multi-storey building, a house in Rourkela, and more, total assets estimated at 206% beyond his legitimate earnings.

Furthermore, a few days back, Vigilance sleuths had uncovered a secret room filled with cash, gold bars, and other valuables in the home of Deputy Ranger Rama Chandra Nepak from the Jeypore Forest Range. The finds raised significant concerns given his modest official salary. Investigations are ongoing.