Berhampur: Vigilance sleuths arrested a woman gram panchayat technical assistant (GPTA) of Ganjam block office on the charge of accepting illegal gratification of Rs 1,200 from a contractor.
GPTA M Suprava Devi was caught-red-handed and the bribe amount was seized from her possession. She was produced in a court after the charges against her proved true during raids at her office and residence. Chemical examination of the notes also proved acceptance of bribe, Berhampur Vigilance SP Mayadhar Swain said.
Swain said contractor Basant Kumar Chhatei of Khatukuda village under Rambha police limits completed the construction of a project worth Rs 2 lakh. Later, he requested the GPTA to help him get the Rs 10,000 EMD which he had deposited at the time of getting the contract.
The GPTA refused to do him the favour unless he paid her a bribe Rs 3,200. Left with no option, the contractor lodged a complaint with Berhampur Vigilance office.
PNN
