Bribe allegations over death certificate spark outrage in Bhadrak

Even in the aftermath of a death, a grieving family was allegedly forced to pay a bribe to secure a basic government document. An allegation from the Eram area of Bhadrak district has brought to light claims of corruption at a local revenue office, where a differently-abled man claimed he had to pay money after repeated visits, simply to obtain a death certificate for his deceased grandfather.

According to the complaint, Sarbeswar Dalai, a differently-abled resident, had applied for a death certificate following his grandfather’s demise. Despite submitting the application, the certificate was not issued initially. Sarbeswar reportedly made repeated visits to the Eram RI office for nearly two weeks, but to no avail. 

It is alleged that the work was finally completed only after Sarbeswar paid Rs 200. The money was allegedly taken by Kalia Behera, a peon working at the Eram RI office. The complainant claims that without the payment, the certificate was deliberately delayed.

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“I had come to apply for my grandfather’s death certificate. They kept delaying the matter for 15 days. When I went again yesterday, they told me that unless I paid Rs 200, they would not sign the papers. After handing over the certificate, they took me to the backside of the office and again asked why I had not paid Rs 200,” alleged Sarbeswar Dalai, who has filed the complaint.

More Complaints Surface, Denials Follow

Sources allege that Kalia Behera has similarly taken money from several other applicants for issuing certificates. However, when questioned about the allegations, Kalia Behera denied all charges.

“We do not take money from anyone. Our only intention is to serve the people. I cannot say anything about this allegation as I am completely unaware of the matter. He was not doing any official government work. If something has happened, inform the Tehsildar,” said Jogendra Majhi, the Eram Revenue Inspector, while effectively dismissing the allegations.

The incident has sparked concern over alleged corruption at the grassroots level, especially involving vulnerable citizens. While denials have been issued, the allegations underline the need for accountability and sensitivity in public service delivery, particularly when people approach government offices during moments of personal loss.