Bhubaneswar, Aug 2: Vigilance officials from the Koraput division arrested Akhyamita Kartik, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Golamunda block in Kalahandi district, on Friday after she failed to satisfactorily explain the source of Rs 4.92 lakh in cash found in her possession.

According to Vigilance sources, Akhyamita allegedly accepted a bribe of Rs 4.92 lakh. Acting on a tip-off, Vigilance officers intercepted her near Jaring, between Bhawanipatna and Junagarh, while she was en route to Koraput.

To evade detection, Akhyamita had hidden the cash inside the rear door of her official Bolero vehicle. However, the Vigilance team, using their search protocols, discovered the concealed cash and seized the Rs 4.92 lakh.

During interrogation, Akhyamita was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the source of the funds, leading to her arrest.

A statement from the Vigilance Department read: “Following the interception of Smt Akhyamita Kartik, OAS, BDO of Golamunda Block, Kalahandi, yesterday, she was interrogated regarding the source of seized cash Rs 4.92 lakh. As Smt Kartik could not satisfactorily account for the same, she has been placed under arrest today.”

It is worth noting that Akhyamita was previously suspended for misappropriating COVID funds during her tenure in Kosagumuda, Nabarangpur district.

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