Bhubaneswar: Vigilance sleuths launched simultaneous searches at four locations linked to Asit Kumar Pattanayak, Deputy Ranger of Bisra Forest Range under Rourkela Forest Division, following his arrest on May 20 while accepting a bribe of Rs 18,000.
During the searches, Vigilance officials recovered cash amounting to ₹8.37 lakh and approximately 390 grams of gold from Pattanayak’s residence at Basanti Colony in Rourkela.
It is pertinent to mention that Pattanayak was caught red-handed while taking the bribe from a vehicle owner in exchange for releasing hire charges of a vehicle that had been pre-engaged for official duty.
Till the last report came in, the investigation into the case was underway.
