Bhubaneswar: A senior official of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) was apprehended by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sleuths in Basundhara operational area in Odisha’s Sundargarh district while allegedly accepting Rs 20,000 bribe late on Wednesday.
According to sources, Akhilesh Kumar Verma, chief manager and head of the disbursement cell for MCL’s Jhupurunga-Tumulia project, had demanded illegal gratification of Rs 30,000 from the complainant for facilitating the release of compensation amount of Rs 11.37 lakh in a land acquisition matter in favour of his displaced relative. He had already received Rs 10,000 and was caught red-handed while accepting the final instalment of Rs 20,000.
Following which, CBI officials conducted a raid at his office and later brought him to Bhubaneswar for further investigation and legal action.