A team of the Odisha Vigilance on Thursday apprehended a senior government employee red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 70,000 in Titilagarh, exposing yet another case of suspected corruption in a government office.

The accused, identified as Anil Panda, Senior Assistant at the ARCS office in Titilagarh, was caught by the Sonepur Vigilance unit during a well-planned trap operation. According to officials, Panda had allegedly demanded and accepted the bribe amount in connection with clearing pending dues of a former employee.

Sources said the transaction was being executed through a bank transfer, and vigilance officials intercepted him at the moment the illegal payment process was being carried out. The swift action by the vigilance team confirmed the allegations after preliminary verification of inputs regarding the corrupt demand.

Following the arrest, the accused was taken into custody for further questioning. Vigilance officials are now investigating whether other individuals or staff members were involved in the racket and whether similar irregularities had taken place earlier within the office.

A detailed probe has been initiated to examine financial records, communication trails, and procedural files linked to the case. Officials also indicated that further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The incident has once again highlighted the continuing crackdown by vigilance authorities on corruption in public offices across Odisha. The department reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

Local residents and government employees have welcomed the action, stating that such operations send a strong warning against misuse of official positions for personal gain. Authorities have assured that similar surveillance and trap operations will continue in the coming days to curb corruption at all levels.