Odisha Vigilance has arrested Bandita Dash, Assistant Engineer of Badachana Block in Jajpur district, along with a private associate after they were allegedly caught accepting a ₹35,000 bribe. The action followed a complaint related to the release of a security deposit and clearance of pending bills for a school construction project.
According to reports published on September 28, 2026, the accused allegedly demanded ₹35,000 from a person involved in construction work for a school in Badachana Block. The amount was reportedly sought for processing the release of the security deposit and clearing pending bills.
Badachana Assistant Engineer Bribe Case
Based on the complaint, Odisha Vigilance laid a trap on Monday. Vigilance officials apprehended Dash and her associate, identified as Somonath Sethy, while allegedly accepting the ₹35,000 from the complainant.
The entire alleged bribe amount was recovered and seized by the Vigilance team. A case was subsequently registered at the Kataka Vigilance Police Station under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Searches Conducted at Multiple Locations
Following the trap, Odisha Vigilance also began simultaneous searches at three locations linked to Dash as part of an inquiry into suspected disproportionate assets, according to the reports.
The searches included her residence in the Jagatpur area of Cuttack, where cash was reportedly recovered. The news summary provided for this report states that ₹5.15 lakh in cash was seized from the residence.
The ongoing investigation is expected to establish the source and circumstances surrounding the recovered cash. At this stage, allegations against the accused remain subject to the investigation and legal process.
Investigation Continues
The case has drawn attention because the alleged bribe was connected to the processing of payments for public construction work. The Vigilance investigation is continuing, and further details may emerge as officials examine the documents, cash and other materials collected during the searches.
The Badachana Assistant Engineer bribe case remains under investigation, with Odisha Vigilance examining both the alleged ₹35,000 bribery transaction and the assets linked to the accused.
