Odisha Mines Scandal: ED and I-T to Launch Parallel Probes After Record Cash Seizure
In a major development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and income tax authorities (I-T) are set to initiate parallel investigations following the seizure of a staggering Rs 4.27 crore in alleged ill-gotten cash from the residence of Debabrata Mohanty, the deputy director of mines in Odisha. This move comes just a day after the state vigilance department made the record haul, signaling a coordinated effort to trace a wider black money network linked to the mining sector.
Central Agencies Seek Details for Joint Probe
On Thursday, both the ED and I-T reportedly sought operational details from the Odisha vigilance directorate. A senior vigilance official confirmed the collaboration, stating, "Since this is the largest cash seizure by us in the state, the ED and I-T want to be involved. We will share the requisite details with the central agencies. They have conducted simultaneous probes in several high-profile vigilance cases in the past." This indicates a robust approach to uncovering the full extent of the alleged corruption.
Vigilance Takes Accused on Remand for Interrogation
The state's anti-corruption wing has decided to take Debabrata Mohanty, who has been arrested, on remand for intensive interrogation. The official added, "We are probing the source of the seized wealth, the period of its accumulation, suspected collusion with other officials, and possible links to broader irregularities. During custodial interrogation, we will attempt to ascertain his modus operandi and trace the money trail." This step aims to unravel the complexities of the case and identify any accomplices.
Public Outrage and Calls for Broader Investigation
The record cash seizure has triggered widespread public outrage, highlighting alleged deep-rooted corruption within Odisha's mining sector. Observers argue that Mohanty could not have amassed such wealth overnight, suggesting a chain of beneficiaries involved. Growing calls demand that the probe extend beyond his arrest to expose everyone implicated in the scandal, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Details of the Seizure and Additional Assets
Mohanty was arrested on Tuesday night while allegedly accepting a Rs 30,000 bribe from a coal vendor in Cuttack. The following morning, officials discovered Rs 4.27 crore in cash stuffed inside trolley bags and cupboards at his Patia flat in Bhubaneswar. An additional Rs 1.2 lakh was recovered from his office chamber in Cuttack. The investigation also traced other assets, including a palatial double-storey house at Pahala in Bhubaneswar and approximately 130 grams of gold, further underscoring the scale of the alleged illicit wealth.
