Following a complaint that Anil Kumar Nayak, working as ASI in Jeypore Town police station, was demanding the bribe to release his seized two-wheeler and its connected document, the Vigilance laid a trap.

As per the plan, the complainant went to give Rs 5,000 to the ASI and a private person, Md Nazrul. Vigilance sleuths nabbed Nayak and Nazrul accepting the money red-handed. They also recovered the entire bribe money from their possession and seized it.

Following the trap, the Vigilance carried out raid on Nayak’s house from DA angle.

Koraput Vigilance has registered a case under PC (Amendment) Act, 2018 in this connection. Further investigation is in progress against both the accused persons.

“I am glad that the wishes of sevayats of the temple and the residents of Ekamra Khetra have been fulfilled. Grateful to Minister G Kishan Reddy & ASI for honouring our request,” she added.

Notably, the Gazette notification to bring Kapileshwar Temple to the Protected Monument list of ASI for the better upkeep and preservation of the structure was issued on May 5. The Ministry of Culture had then sought any objection or suggestion to the declaration within 2 months.

The latest notification stated that no objection was received from the public to the making of such declaration by the central government. “Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 4 of the said Act, the Central Government hereby declares that the Kapileshwar Temple, District Khurda, State Odisha, specified in the Schedule
and site plan annexed hereto, to be an ancient monument of national importance.”

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This living temple is currently being maintained by Kapileshwar Temple Trust Board. The temple is situated within the precinct along with 33 other monuments on the northern embankment of Manikarnika tank.

According to legends, this is the birthplace of sage Kapila, who is considered as the father of Sankhya Philosophy. He is also considered as the brain child of Brahma, an incarnation of Vishnu and lord Shiva himself. Hence, the presiding deity came to be called as Kapileswar.

Notably, there are 80 centrally protected monuments and structures under ASI in Odisha and 21 among them, including Lingaraj Temple and Mukteshwara Temple, are in Bhubaneswar.