Sundargarh RTO traffic inspector arrested for accepting Rs 20,000 bribe from truck owner
Sundargarh RTO Traffic Inspector Mukesh Kumar Mishra was arrested by Odisha Vigilance for allegedly accepting a Rs 20,000 bribe from a truck owner.
Odisha Vigilance arrested Sundargarh RTO Traffic Inspector Mukesh Kumar Mishra on Monday for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 from a truck owner. The accused allegedly sought the amount as a ‘monthly quota’ for June and July 2026 to allow the complainant’s two HYVA trucks to operate without hindrance in his jurisdiction. The truck owner approached the vigilance wing after failing to meet the demand, stating he could not afford the recurring payments demanded under threat of operational disruption. Acting on the complaint, vigilance officials laid a trap and caught Mishra while taking the bribe. The entire tainted amount of Rs 20,000 was recovered from his possession and seized. Following the arrest, simultaneous searches were launched at three locations linked to Mishra in connection with a disproportionate assets angle. A case has been registered at Rourkela Vigilance police station on Sunday under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Investigation is on. Vigilance officials confirmed that the trap was set after verifying the truck owner’s complaint through preliminary inquiries, and that Mishra was apprehended in the act of receiving the cash handover. Sources within the vigilance wing indicated that the accused had been under scrutiny for some time due to irregularities in vehicle clearance processes at the Sundargarh RTO. The seized amount is being held as evidence, and further forensic accounting is underway to trace any illicit gains. Mishra, who has been serving in the RTO for over eight years, has been suspended pending the outcome of the departmental inquiry. Legal experts noted that Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018, which criminalizes the act of taking undue advantage to induce a public servant, carries a punishment of imprisonment for not less than three years, which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. The vigilance department has urged other citizens facing similar extortion to come forward without fear, assuring protection of identity and prompt action.
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Who was arrested by Odisha Vigilance in Sundargarh?
Sundargarh RTO Traffic Inspector Mukesh Kumar Mishra was arrested by Odisha Vigilance.
How much bribe was Mukesh Kumar Mishra accused of taking?
Mukesh Kumar Mishra was accused of taking a bribe of Rs 20,000.
For which months did the accused allegedly demand the bribe as a 'monthly quota'?
The accused allegedly demanded the bribe as a ‘monthly quota’ for June and July 2026.
What vehicles were involved in the bribe complaint?
The complainant’s two HYVA trucks were involved in the bribe complaint.
Under which law was a case registered against the accused?
A case was registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Where was the case registered following the arrest?
The case was registered at Rourkela Vigilance police station.
What action was taken after the arrest in relation to the accused’s assets?
Simultaneous searches were launched at three locations linked to Mishra in connection with a disproportionate assets angle.
Was the full bribe amount recovered from the accused?
Yes, the entire tainted amount of Rs 20,000 was recovered from his possession and seized.
On which day was the arrest made by Odisha Vigilance?
The arrest was made on Monday.
On which day was the case registered at the vigilance police station?
The case was registered on Sunday.
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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