Odisha: Vigilance seizes Rs 5 lakh from BDO in bribery probe

Bhubaneswar: Vigilance officers today recovered Rs 5 lakh of cash from Akhyamita Kartik, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Golamunda Block in Kalahandi district. Kartik, an OAS officer, is alleged to have collected a substantial bribe.

Based on a reliable tip, vigilance officers intercepted Kartik near Jaring, between Bhawanipatna and Junagarh, as she was traveling towards Koraput. The anti-corruption officials found Rs 5 lakh in cash in her possession, which they seized.

Kartik is currently being interrogated to determine the source of the cash. Additionally, searches have been initiated at her locations in Koraput and Kalahandi.

Previously, Kartik was suspended for misappropriating COVID-19 funds while stationed at Kosagumuda in Nabarangpur district. Furthermore, the Rayagada district administration had filed a police complaint against her for misappropriating Red Cross funds during her tenure as Tehsildar in Gunupur.