In a bribery case, the Cuttack Vigilance division sleuths arrested on March 4, the Executive Officer (EO) and a clerk of Baripada Municipality, besides a Xerox shop owner for abetting the crime. The trio was court-forwarded.
They were identified as EO Samaresh Mohanty, clerk Bula Mohanty alias Pankaj Kumar Mohanty and Xerox shop owner Gagan Bihari Mohanta.
The trio demanded and accepted bribe of Rs3 lakh from complainant Chandan Mohakud, advocate of Hotel Golden Inn, Baripada, for issue of the trade licence. In this connection a case was registered.
Complainant Mohakud alleged that he had applied for trade licence in favour of Hotel Golden Inn, Baripada. He met EO Samaresh Mohanty and clerk Bula Mohanty. Both demanded Rs6 lakh as illegal gratification for the purpose. After negotiation both settled the matter for Rs5.5 lakh. On further request, they agreed for Rs3 lakh as first installment and the rest Rs2.5 lakh later and assured to process the file after receipt of bribe money. Finding no other alternative, the complainant reported to the Vigilance.
As per direction of Cuttack Vigilance Cell Division SP, a trap was laid on March 3 and the duo accused was nabbed red-handed.
Clerk Mohanty directed the complainant to accompany him to a nearby Xerox shop owned by his friend Gagan Bihari Mohanta and told him to hand over the cash of Rs3 lakh. Mohanta was also nabbed. The cash was recovered.