Koraput: Vigilance officials arrested Sakuntala Das, the child development project officer (CDPO) in Dasmantpur block and Minati Khosla, an anganwadi worker of Adhamunda anganwadi centre, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 on Friday. Officials said the bribe was sought from a newly-appointed anganwadi helper, who joined an anganwadi centre in Dashmantpur block one-and-a-half months ago.
The complainant had reportedly been persistently requesting Das, the drawing and disbursing officer (DDO), for release of her salary. However, Das allegedly demanded Rs 10,000 to open her personal file and initiate the salary process, instructing that the amount be handed over to her associate, Khosla, according to a vigilance release. “Left with no option, the complainant approached vigilance authorities, leading to a trap being laid. The entire bribe amount was seized from the accused,” it was further stated in the release.
Simultaneous searches are underway at three locations associated with the CDPO and anganwadi worker. A case has been registered at Koraput vigilance police station.