Bhubaneswar, Jan 5: The State Vigilance Department on Monday arrested two engineers of the Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC) after catching them red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹60,000 from a contractor in Udala Sub-Division of Mayurbhanj district.

The accused have been identified as Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) Harekrushna Singh and Junior Engineer (JE) Subrat Mohanty. According to vigilance officials, the contractor had already completed irrigation-related works amounting to ₹25 lakh, but the engineers allegedly withheld bills worth around ₹5 lakh.

The duo reportedly demanded a 4.5 per cent bribe to clear the pending payments. Acting on a complaint, the vigilance team laid a trap and apprehended both officials while they were receiving the bribe amount. The entire ₹60,000 bribe money was recovered from their possession and seized as evidence.

Following the arrest, simultaneous searches were launched at multiple locations linked to the accused to ascertain whether they had amassed disproportionate assets. Vigilance officials said a case has been registered against both engineers under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The investigation is continuing to unearth further details and determine the extent of corruption involved.

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