Odisha Mining Official Arrested in ₹2 Lakh Bribery Case

On July 8, the Odisha Vigilance Department arrested Satyajit Rout, Deputy Director (Geology) cum Deputy Director of Mines in Jeypore, after he allegedly accepted a bribe of ₹2 lakh from a sand‑leaseholder in Koraput district to facilitate the extension of a sand quarry lease and to secure favorable treatment in future spot auctions.

Vigilance officials set up a trap, seized the full ₹2 lakh from Rout’s possession, and later recovered an additional ₹2.9 lakh in cash from his residence in Rayagada, bringing the total seized amount to ₹4.9 lakh. A case was registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, at the Koraput Vigilance Police Station. The investigation continues, with officials examining documents and conducting further searches to determine if similar corruption occurred elsewhere.