Balangir,Odisha: In a major crackdown on corruption, Odisha Vigilance has arrested the Principal of Government ITI, Balangir, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹30,000 from guest instructors in exchange for continuing their services and ensuring regular salary payments.

The accused has been identified as Suresh Kumar Dalabehera, Principal of Government ITI, Balangir.

According to Odisha Vigilance, the Principal had allegedly demanded a total bribe of ₹1.15 lakh from nine guest instructors of the institute. The amount was allegedly sought in return for allowing them to continue working and facilitating the regular disbursement of their salaries.

The accused had also allegedly threatened to disengage the instructors if they failed to pay the demanded amount. Troubled by the alleged demand and threats, the instructors approached the Vigilance authorities and lodged a complaint.

Acting on the complaint, Odisha Vigilance laid a trap on November 6. The accused Principal was apprehended while allegedly accepting ₹30,000 as the first instalment of the total bribe demand from a complainant at Balangir Railway Station.

The entire tainted amount of ₹30,000 was recovered from his possession and seized by the Vigilance team.

₹5.16 Lakh Cash Recovered from Rourkela Flat

Following the trap, Odisha Vigilance launched simultaneous searches at three locations linked to the accused as part of a disproportionate assets investigation.

During the ongoing searches, an additional ₹5.16 lakh in cash was unearthed from his residential flat in Rourkela and seized by the officials.

The searches are continuing, and further details are awaited.

Case Registered, Investigation Underway

In connection with the incident, Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station Case No. 22, dated November 5, 2026, has been registered against Suresh Kumar Dalabehera under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.

The investigation is currently underway to establish the full extent of the alleged bribery and examine the assets linked to the accused.