{
  "id": 6722683,
  "title": "Odisha auditors caught demanding ₹10 bribe per student in government-run residential schools",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/odisha-auditors-caught-demanding-10-bribe-per-student-in-government",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T07:14:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/odisha/odisha-auditors-caught-demanding-10-bribe-per-student-in-government-run-residential-schools/article71454934.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Odisha's Vigilance department has uncovered an unusual scheme where auditors demanded a bribe of ₹10 per student in government-run residential schools, allegedly to regularise discrepancies in the schools' accounts. During an operation on September 10, 2026, two auditors from the ST and SC Development department were intercepted while returning from Baripada to their hotel after completing their audit work. They were found in possession of ₹5,51,510 in 52 envelopes and 20 loose bundles, which they could not justify. Following this, a search of their hotel rooms led to the seizure of an additional ₹8,86,830 in cash. The auditors were conducting audits of the District Welfare Officer's Office in Baripada and the hostels of residential schools from August 30, 2026. Allegations had been made that the auditors demanded a bribe of ₹10 per enrolled student from the schools and hostels to ensure a smooth audit. The case has been upgraded to a disproportionate asset case, and the vigilance sleuths are investigating the auditors' residential and office addresses to uncover any properties they may have acquired through illicit means.",
  "summary": "The vigilance department seizes ₹14,38,340 kept in envelopes from two auditors accused of making such bizarre demands for bribes",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}