Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 2: Odisha Vigilance today arrested OAS officer Akhyamita Kartik after she was found with Rs 4.92 lakh in cash near Jaring the previous evening. Kartik, who is currently serving as the Block Development Officer (BDO) for Golamunda in Kalahandi, was detained because she could not satisfactorily explain the source of the cash during interrogation.
The anti-corruption team conducted the operation based on credible information about a substantial bribe being collected by the BDO, referred to locally as ‘PC’ (percentage). Kartik’s official vehicle was intercepted while she was traveling from Bhawanipatna to Koraput. The cash was discovered hidden inside the rear door of her SUV in an attempt to evade detection.
A case has been filed against Kartik under sections 13(2) and 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. The investigation is ongoing.
Additionally, Kartik was suspended on Thursday for alleged misappropriation of COVID funds during her tenure as BDO of Kosagumuda in Nabarangpur. A police complaint was also lodged against her during her time as Gunupur Tehsildar for allegedly misappropriating Red Cross funds.
