A high-ranking IAS officer in Odisha, Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, was apprehended by the Vigilance Department on charges of accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh. The officer, serving as the Managing Director of Odisha State Cooperative Bank, was caught in a trap laid by officials following a complaint alleging corruption.
The Vigilance team executed the operation at Dr. Behera’s official residence in Bhubaneswar, where the bribe amount was reportedly recovered during the search. The department confirmed that the trap was based on a credible complaint that accused the officer of demanding money to approve a cooperative society file.
Following the successful trap, simultaneous raids were conducted at several locations associated with the officer, including his residence in Cuttack and ancestral property. Preliminary searches led to the seizure of large sums of cash, important documents, property records, and other valuables.
“A formal case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act,” an official statement from the Vigilance Directorate said. “All recovered materials will be examined, and further action will be taken based on the findings.”
Dr. Behera has been placed under immediate suspension by the Odisha government pending the investigation. The Chief Minister’s Office released a brief statement reaffirming the administration’s commitment to integrity. “Strict legal action will follow. We uphold a zero-tolerance stance against corruption at all levels,” the statement noted.
The arrest has ignited political backlash across the state, with opposition leaders targeting the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over what they allege is systemic corruption. BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra criticized the government, saying, “This incident reflects deep-rooted flaws in the system. Immediate institutional reforms are necessary.”
Public reaction on digital platforms was swift, with citizens expressing anger and demanding accountability. Hashtags such as #IASBribeOdisha and #CleanGovernance began trending on social media within hours of the news breaking.
Meanwhile, the Vigilance team is expected to present Dr. Behera before a special court in Bhubaneswar after completing initial questioning. Investigators are currently assessing the total value of assets linked to the officer, including immovable properties and financial transactions.
This incident has once again brought the spotlight back on the challenges of tackling high-level corruption in public administration. As the investigation progresses, the case is expected to prompt a wider debate on bureaucratic accountability and transparency in governance.
