Bhubaneswar: Odisha vigilance on Monday arrested a 35-year-old doctor of a state-run hospital in Bhubaneswar for allegedly accepting Rs 30,000 bribe from a functionary of an NGO engaged at the hospital.“The NGO has been engaged by the hospital to assist destitute and unidentified patients at the casualty ward. For two months—June and July 2026—the NGO’s staff salaries were held up as assistant surgeon Satyajit Behera refused to sign their work certificates,” a vigilance statement said.Officials said that Behera had allegedly been demanding Rs 30,000 to clear the certificate. “The complainant, facing harassment, approached us. We laid a trap and arrested doctor Behera red-handed while accepting the bribe at the hospital,” the vigilance statement stated.Following the arrest, simultaneous searches were launched at three premises linked to Behera to probe possible disproportionate assets. Capital Hospital authorities distanced themselves from the incident. “The hospital does not endorse such corrupt practices. Whosoever has indulged in corruption is liable for strict action,” a senior official at the hospital said.The vigilance directorate reiterated its zero‑tolerance stance. “Medical professionals are entrusted with public service. Any betrayal of that trust through bribery will be dealt with firmly,” a vigilance official said.The arrest has sparked concern among NGO workers, who said delays in salary disbursement directly affect frontline staff assisting vulnerable patients. “We hope this action restores faith in the system,” an NGO staff said requesting anonymity.
