Bhubaneswar, June 12 -- A viral audio-video clip has sparked controversy at the District Welfare Office in Sambalpur, with allegations that money was being sought from beneficiaries for processing financial assistance under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, allegedly shows Sanjukta Bhoi, an SRA attached to the District Welfare Office, demanding a percentage of the assistance amount from a beneficiary. The clip has prompted the administration to initiate a departmental inquiry into the matter.

District Welfare Officer Mrutyunjay Badapanda said the viral audio-video was forwarded to him by the Sambalpur Collector following which a committee was constituted to investigate...