Odisha Vigilance arrests land acquisition officer for alleged bribe
Special Land Acquisition Officer Ajay Kumar Garanaik was caught while accepting Rs 3.10 lakh from a landowner.
The Odisha Vigilance Directorate arrested Special Land Acquisition Officer Ajay Kumar Garanaik on Monday for allegedly accepting a bribe. Garanaik was working on the Sambalpur-Talcher Doubling Rail Line Project, according to reports by Sambad English and Odisha Bytes.
The officer was caught in a trap while receiving the remaining Rs 3.10 lakh from a landowner. The complainant had previously paid Rs 2 lakh to Garanaik on October 27.
Garanaik allegedly demanded a total bribe of Rs 5.10 lakh to release Rs 84.62 lakh in compensation for acquired land. He also reportedly promised to provide favourable treatment during future land acquisition proceedings for a third railway line project.
The landowner approached authorities after Garanaik allegedly threatened to create problems during future proceedings if the remaining amount was not paid. Vigilance officials seized the Rs 3.10 lakh from his possession.
Following the arrest, simultaneous searches were launched at three locations linked to Garanaik. These searches aim to investigate allegations of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
A case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and further investigation is underway.