Sudan Babu | State Bureau Chief Odisha

Sambalpur, November 2, 2026: In a major anti-corruption operation, Odisha Vigilance officials on Monday apprehended Ajay Kumar Garanaik, Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) associated with the Sambalpur-Talcher Doubling Railway Line Project, while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 3.10 lakh from a landowner.

According to Odisha Vigilance, Garanaik had allegedly demanded a total bribe of Rs 5.10 lakh from the complainant in exchange for facilitating the release of Rs 84,62,288 in land acquisition compensation. He had also allegedly promised favourable consideration in connection with future compensation for the proposed third railway line project.

The complainant had reportedly paid Rs 2 lakh to the officer on October 27, 2026. However, Garanaik allegedly continued to demand the remaining Rs 3.10 lakh and insisted that the amount be paid immediately.

The officer allegedly went a step further by threatening to create difficulties for the landowner during future land acquisition proceedings for the third railway line project if the remaining bribe amount was not paid.

Frustrated by the alleged harassment and threats, the landowner approached Odisha Vigilance and lodged a complaint.

Acting on the complaint, a Vigilance team laid a trap on Monday and caught Garanaik while he was allegedly receiving the remaining Rs 3.10 lakh. The entire tainted amount was recovered from his possession and seized by the investigating officials.

Following the trap operation, Odisha Vigilance launched simultaneous searches at three locations associated with the accused officer to investigate possible possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

In connection with the incident, Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station Case No. 20, dated November 1, 2026, has been registered against Garanaik under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.

The investigation is currently underway, and further details are awaited.

The action is being viewed as another significant step by Odisha Vigilance in its efforts to curb corruption and prevent public officials from exploiting citizens seeking legitimate government compensation.