Khalikote; Corrupt Police ASI Caught Red-Handed Taking  Rs.15,000 Bribe

Vigilance Trap Inside Police Station Campus; ASI Allegedly Demanded Money to “Help” Accused in Case

Desk, Odisha Barta

Berhampur, September 11, 2026:In yet another setback to the image of the police department, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) posted at Khalikote Police Station in Ganjam district was allegedly caught red-handed by Odisha Vigilance while accepting a bribe of  Rs.15,000 from a person involved in a case being investigated by him.

According to Odisha Vigilance, Sujit Panigrahi, ASI, Khalikote Police Station, had allegedly demanded Rs.15,000 from the complainant in connection with a case registered at the police station, in which Panigrahi was the Investigating Officer.

The money was allegedly sought in return for extending help to the complainant in the case.

Unable to meet the alleged demand, the complainant reportedly approached the Vigilance authorities and brought the matter to their notice.

Acting on the complaint, a team of Odisha Vigilance laid a trap on September 11. Panigrahi was allegedly apprehended while accepting the tainted bribe amount of RS.15,000 inside the Khalikote Police Station campus.

The entire bribe amount was reportedly recovered from his possession and seized by the Vigilance team.

Searches Launched from Disproportionate Assets Angle

Following the trap, Odisha Vigilance has also initiated simultaneous searches at two locations linked to the accused ASI to examine the possibility of possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The searches and investigation are presently underway.

Vigilance Case Registered

In connection with the trap, Brahmapur Vigilance Police Station Case No. 09, dated September 11, 2026, has been registered against Panigrahi under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018.

The investigation is continuing, and further details are awaited from Odisha Vigilance.

A Serious Reminder for the Police Force

The incident once again raises serious questions about the misuse of investigative authority and the alleged practice of seeking illegal gratification from persons who come under the criminal justice system.

A police station is expected to be a place where citizens seek justice and protection—not a place where allegations of monetary demands should arise.

While the allegations against the ASI will be subject to due process and the outcome of the investigation, the Vigilance action sends a clear message that public servants allegedly demanding or accepting bribes can face strict legal action.

The case also serves as a reminder to personnel entrusted with investigation that professional integrity, impartiality and accountability are fundamental to maintaining public confidence in the police administration.

Detailed report follows.