Bhubaneswar: In a major anti-corruption drive, the Odisha Vigilance Department today trapped and arrested Parsuram Naik, Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Mirginendi Gram Panchayat under Karanjia Block in Mayurbhanj district, while accepting a bribe of Rs 18,000.
According to report, the PEO was demanding the bribe from a contractual staffer of the same Gram Panchayat to process his pending arrear remuneration and facilitate the release of regular salary. The staffer had not received his remuneration since March 26, 2023, despite orders from the BDO.
The accused PEO allegedly threatened the staffer that his dues would not be released unless he paid the demanded bribe of Rs 18,000. Left with no other option, the harassed staffer approached the Odisha Vigilance.
Acting on the complaint, a Vigilance team laid a trap and caught Parsuram Naik red-handed while he was accepting the bribe amount of Rs 18,000. The entire bribe money was recovered from his possession and seized.
Following the trap, simultaneous house searches are being conducted at two locations linked to the accused PEO from the disproportionate assets (DA) angle. A case has been registered against Naik at Balasore Vigilance Police Station vide Case No.07/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Investigation is underway.
