Odisha veterinary officer, assistant held for ‘accepting bribe’ to release poultry subsidy

Odisha Vigilance on Monday arrested Dr. Subha Prakash Soren, Block Veterinary Officer (BVO) of Rairakhol, Sambalpur, and his associate, Programme Assistant Maheswar Sahu, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 from a beneficiary.

According to the Vigilance Directorate, the complainant had set up a broiler farm in April 2025 under the Government of Odisha’s Broiler Poultry Farming Scheme and was eligible for a total subsidy of Rs 90,000. 

While the first phase of the subsidy was disbursed, the second phase amounting to Rs 54,000 was withheld for months.

Despite repeated requests to release the second phase subsidy, Dr. Soren allegedly demanded Rs 5,000. Left with no choice, the beneficiary contacted Odisha Vigilance via its toll-free number 1064, sources informed.

Acting on the complaint, a trap was laid on July 7. Dr. Soren and Sahu were caught red-handed while accepting the bribe. The entire amount was recovered and seized in the presence of witnesses.

Following the arrests, Vigilance officials conducted simultaneous searches at Dr. Soren’s rented residence and his office premises in Rairakhol. Both accused were arrested and forwarded to court.

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A case has been registered under Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, at the Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station. Further investigation is underway.