According to reports, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended a Port Health Organization (PHO) Officer at Odisha’s Paradip Port on Friday for taking a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a crew of a shipping business for giving health certificates.
Dr. Rajendra Narayan Panigrahi was apprehended yesterday while taking the money. Following raids on his premises, assets totaling more than one crore were recovered. He was seized with cash in Indian and foreign currency.
The main function of the PHO, which is functioning under the Central government, is to provide COVID clearance certificates to those coming from other countries.
Panigrahi is accused of taking bribes for giving these clearance certificates. He allegedly issued many such certificates by taking bribes.