Odisha Vigilance arrests ASI, associate for ₹20,000 bribe in Sundargarh
Odisha Vigilance arrested an ASI and his associate for allegedly accepting a ₹20,000 bribe to help an eatery owner in an excise case.
Odisha Vigilance on Saturday night arrested Madan Mohan Pradhan, 53, an assistant sub‑inspector at Lahunipada police station in Sundargarh district, and his associate Mandeep Kumar Dasmodak, 50, a tea vendor, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹20,000 from an eatery owner.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged by the eatery owner, who told vigilance officials that Pradhan threatened to arrest him and forward him to court unless the bribe was paid. According to the complainant, Pradhan also allegedly pressured the owner through his associate Dasmodak to pay the amount in order to secure help in an excise case that had been registered against the owner and his younger brother.
Based on the complaint, a vigilance team laid a trap on Saturday night and caught both men while they were accepting the money. The entire bribe amount was recovered in the presence of witnesses.
What led to the trap?
"ASI Pradhan threatened the eatery owner to pay the demanded bribe and if it was not paid to him, he would arrest and forward him to the court. ASI Pradhan even was pressurising the eatery owner through his associate Mandeep Kumar Dasmodak to pay the bribe. Finding no other means, the eatery owner reported the matter to us," a vigilance official said.
The official added that after receiving the complaint, vigilance officers verified the allegations, identified the scheduled handover of the bribe, and positioned a team to observe the transaction. When Pradhan and Dasmodak accepted the ₹20,000 from the eatery owner, the team intervened, apprehended both individuals, and secured the cash as evidence.
What happens next?
Vigilance officials conducted searches at Pradhan's residential government quarter at Lahunipada, his house at his native village Mahuldiha under Mahulpada police station limits in Bonai sub‑division of Sundargarh district, and his office room. The searches were carried out to gather any additional evidence related to the alleged corrupt activity.
A case has been registered against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The investigation is ongoing, and further legal proceedings will follow as per the provisions of the act.
The incident underscores the vigilance wing’s commitment to curb graft within public services, especially at the grassroots level where officials interact directly with citizens.
Who was arrested in the Sundargarh bribery case?
ASI Madan Mohan Pradhan (53) of Lahunipada police station and his associate Mandeep Kumar Dasmodak (50), a tea vendor, were arrested.
How much bribe money was involved?
The bribe amount was ₹20,000.
Why was the bribe demanded?
To not arrest the eatery owner and to help him in an excise case against him and his younger brother.
When did the arrest take place?
Late Saturday night.
Who conducted the trap operation?
Odisha Vigilance.
Where were searches conducted after the arrest?
At Pradhan's government quarter in Lahunipada, his house at Mahuldiha village under Mahulpada police station in Bonai sub-division, and his office room.
Under what law has the case been registered?
Prevention of Corruption Act.
How did the vigilance learn about the bribe demand?
The eatery owner reported the matter after being threatened and pressured by Pradhan and Dasmodak.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
View all articles by Ansuya →
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