Nimapara NAC Amin arrested by Vigilance for accepting Rs 17,000 bribe

In a significant crackdown on corruption, Odisha Vigilance on Saturday apprehended Bijay Kumar Grahacharya, an Amin of Nimapara NAC in Puri district, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 17,000. The amount was reportedly the final instalment of an overall Rs 30,000 bribe sought for processing a building plan approval file.

According to the Vigilance Directorate, the complainant had applied for building plan approval in March 2025. Despite repeated follow-ups, Grahacharya allegedly delayed initiating the file without any justifiable reason and demanded Rs 33,000 to process the application. After the applicant expressed an inability to pay the full sum, the demand was reduced to Rs 30,000.

Officials said Grahacharya had earlier collected Rs 3,000 and Rs 10,000 in two separate instalments. Following continued harassment, the applicant approached Odisha Vigilance and lodged a complaint. Acting on the verified allegations, a Vigilance team conducted a trap operation, leading to the official’s arrest.

On Saturday, Grahacharya allegedly received the remaining Rs 17,000 from the applicant. Upon noticing the Vigilance officers, he attempted to dispose of the cash by throwing it onto the footrest of a scooter parked near the NAC office. The Vigilance team immediately apprehended him and recovered the entire tainted money.

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Following the trap, searches are underway at two locations linked to the accused to examine disproportionate assets. A case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Further investigation is in progress.