Bhubaneswar: Ashok Kumar Nayak, a forester from the Muribahal Range in Balangir district , was arrested by the Odisha Vigilance sleuths today for allegedly taking Rs 10,000 bribe from a farmer to allow transportation of wooden logs.
According to reports, the farmer had cut two trees, a Teak and a Sal, from his own land without prior permission and sought Nayak’s permission to transport the logs. Nayak demanded a Rs 10,000 bribe and imposed a Rs 2,000 fine for cutting the trees without permission.
The farmer, frustrated with the harassment, reported the matter to the Vigilance authorities. Accordingly, a trap was laid and Nayak was caught red-handed while taking the bribe. The total amount of ₹12,000, including the bribe, was recovered and seized. Searches are underway at Nayak’s locations as part of the investigation from DA angle.
A case has been registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
