Bhubaneswar: An Accountant-cum-Data Entry Operator of Raj Jankia Gram Panchayat in Ranpur Block of Nayagada district was arrested by Odisha Vigilance on Thursday for allegedly demanding and accepting bribe to facilitate the release of PMAY-G bonus and MGNREGS dues.
The accused has been identified as Prasanta Kumar Bhatta, ADEO, Raj Jankia GP under Nayagarh district.
According to Vigilance, the complainant, a beneficiary under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and a job card holder under MGNREGS, had completed construction of his PMAY-G house in March 2025. As per norms, he was eligible for a bonus for timely completion of the house and for pending MGNREGS payment linked to the construction.
Vigilance said Bhatta had already taken Rs 7,000 from the beneficiary a few days ago. Despite this, he again demanded Rs 4,000 to process the bonus and pending dues. After the beneficiary refused to pay and approached Vigilance, a trap was laid.
Bhatta was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 4,000 from the complainant on Thursday. The entire tainted amount was recovered from his possession and seized.
Following the arrest, simultaneous searches are being conducted at two places linked to Bhatta from a disproportionate assets angle.
A case has been registered at Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Investigation is underway, officials said.
