TV
Odisha Vigilance has nabbed yet another government engineer in a bribery case. Susmita Oram, a Junior Engineer (JE) posted at Gaisilet Block, in Bargarh district, was caught red-handed on June 10, 2025, while accepting a bribe of Rs 8,000. She had joined the government service under DRDA, Bargarh, on January 10, 2024, and is working as a JE at Gaisilet Block since January 29, 2024. This was her first posting.
Final Instalment of Rs 32,000 Bribe Demand
Oram was demanding Rs 32,000 from a contractor (complainant) for measurement and clearing of pending bills related to road improvement work under MGNREGS.
The estimated cost of the work was Rs 9,50,000, out of which bills worth Rs 3.15 lakh had already been paid. The JE was demanding a bribe of 10% of the paid bill amount. She had earlier accepted Rs 24,000 and was caught while taking the remaining Rs 8,000.
Contractor Approached Vigilance After Alleged Harassment
Finding no other option, the complainant approached the Vigilance authorities, alleging harassment by the JE. Following this, a trap was laid, and Oram was caught while taking the remaining bribe amount. The entire sum was recovered from her exclusive possession and seized.
DA Searches and Case Registered
Following the trap, simultaneous searches are underway at two locations linked to Oram from the Disproportionate Assets (DA) angle. Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station registered Case No. 11 dated June 9, 2025, under Section 7 of the PC (Amendment) Act, 2018. Further investigation is in progress.
