Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: The Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday caught Umakanta Mahakur, Assistant CT & GST Officer of Titlagarh in Bolangir district, red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹12,000 from a businessman in exchange for waiving penalty and interest imposed on non-payment of professional tax.

According to a Vigilance press release, the complainant had defaulted on professional tax payments totaling ₹7,500 for three financial years (₹2,500 per year). Consequently, Mahakur issued a notice demanding ₹23,600, which included the principal amount, interest, and penalty.

When the businessman approached Mahakur seeking relief, the officer allegedly demanded ₹12,000 as a bribe to settle the dues without penalty. The complainant, unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, promptly reported the matter to Vigilance officials.

Acting on the complaint, a trap was laid, and Mahakur was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe money. The tainted cash was recovered and seized from his possession in the presence of witnesses.

Following the arrest, simultaneous searches were launched at Mahakur’s residence and office to unearth any disproportionate assets (DA).

In this connection, the Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station has registered Case No. 21/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. The investigation is ongoing.

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