Odisha: 'BDO Seeks Money From Sarpanches On Collector’s Behalf', Audio Clip Goes Viral

Jeypore: The Block Development Officer (BDO) of Laxmipur here in Koraput district has landed in trouble after an audio clip of him demanding money from the sarpanches allegedly on behalf of the Collector went viral.

The BDO identified as Dillip Patnaik was allegedly demanding Rs 30,000 from sarpanches and executive officers, saying that that the amount would be given to the Collector.

In the telephonic conversation of the BDO, an audio clip of which has gone viral on social media, a woman sarpanch could be heard enquiring about the money to be collected from sarpanches.

Asked about the incident, the Collector, however, feigned ignorance about the matter. He said action will be initiated on receiving written complaint with tangible evidence.

"I have not received any complaints from anybody. I came to know from the Project Director (PD) regarding the allegation.  Action will be taken after receiving a written complaint", Koraput Collector said.

On the other hand, the BDO has also been trapped in another controversy. A contractor alleged that the officer was demanding PC from him to clear a work bill under Biju KBK Yojana.