Odisha Electricity dept official arrested on graft charges

Angul: An official of Electricity department was caught red-handed in his office in Odisha’s Angul while accepting bribe to reduce electricity bill.

Tusharkanta Swain, SDO, Electrical Enzen, Chhendipada, Angul was caught by Vigilance sleuths from Cuttack Division while accepting illegal gratification of Rs 5, 000 from Suryakanta Pradhan of Khamara under Chhendipada police limits in the district to reduce the amount of electricity charges from Rs 36, 000  to Rs 16, 000.

Notably, Electricity department had checked the house of complainant’s father Prakash Chandra Pradhan and reported the SDO, Electrical Enzen, Chhendipada that the consumer is using 2410 KW power. Subsequently, the department imposed a penalty of Rs 36, 000 on Pradhan.

Following this, the complainant approached Swain to reconsider lowering the inflated bill. However, the accused demanded Rs 16, 000 from him to settle it.

Finding no way out, the complainant reported the matter to SP, Vigilance, Cuttack Division.

A trap was laid today and Swain was trapped while accepting bribe. The right hand and table wash yielded positive chemical reaction.

The bribe money was recovered and a case has been initiated under section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act against him.