Baripada: The Odisha Vigilance Department has arrested the Tahasildar of Karanjia Charles Nayak in connection with the allegations of taking bribe of Rs 12 lakh through two blank cheques from a person to release land acquisition award of Rs 51,75,810 in his favour.
Four teams of Odisha Vigilance led by one Addl SP, 7 DySPs, 3 Inspectors and other staff had conducted searches on the strength of search warrants issued by the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Baripada.
The complainant was awarded a compensation of Rs 51,75,810 recently in lieu of acquisition of his land by the NHAI authorities. The Tahsildar demanded the bribe amount in the form of two blank cheques of Rs.10 lakhs and Rs.2 lakhs, in order to release the compensation cheque of the complainant. Finding no alternative, the complainant handed over 2 blank cheques to the Tahasildar. After handing over and presentation of cheques in the bank for withdrawal of the bribe amount, the complainant reported the matter to Vigilance for legal action.