In a major anti-corruption crackdown, the Vigilance Department on Tuesday apprehended Odisha Pharmacy Council Senior Assistant Biswamohan Pattnaik alias Raja, a noted arm-wrestling medal winner, on charges of accepting a bribe.

According to Vigilance officials, Pattnaik was allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe for processing a pharmacy registration certificate. He was caught red-handed while allegedly receiving Rs 9,000 from an applicant.

According to sources, Pattnaik, along with his associate Mohammad Ejaz Khan, was involved in collecting the bribe amount. Acting on a complaint, the Vigilance team laid a trap and apprehended both individuals while they were allegedly accepting the money.

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The entire bribe amount was recovered and seized by the Vigilance team. Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether similar demands had been made in other cases.

Notably, Biswamohan Pattnaik, popularly known as Raja, has earned recognition in the field of arm wrestling and has won medals for both Odisha and the country in various competitions. His arrest has drawn attention due to his sporting achievements alongside his official position at the Odisha Pharmacy Council.