In a significant anti-corruption operation, Odisha vigilance officials have detained a senior faculty member from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. The action came after authorities seized unaccounted cash totaling Rs 2.63 lakh from the doctor on Thursday.
Interception During Cash Transport
According to an official vigilance release, the special team intercepted the medical professional at Kathagolasahi medical road. The senior doctor was reportedly carrying the ill-gotten money in his two-wheeler when officials stopped him for questioning.
Bribery Allegations in Medical Equipment Procurement
Investigators have alleged that the detained faculty member collected the substantial bribe amount from competing bidders seeking to supply medical instruments to the hepatology department. "We had maintained close surveillance on his activities for several weeks following credible information about corrupt practices in supplier selection processes," revealed a vigilance officer involved in the operation.
Pattern of Coercion Uncovered
During preliminary investigations, officials discovered that the doctor, who completed his MBBS degree in 1994, had allegedly been pressuring medical equipment suppliers to provide instruments to a private clinic with which he maintained connections. This pattern of coercion formed part of the corruption network that vigilance officials have been monitoring.
Failed Explanation and Ongoing Interrogation
Another vigilance officer provided additional details about the operation: "We possessed reliable intelligence regarding these illegal transactions. Our team executed a carefully planned operation, resulting in the medical faculty member being apprehended while transporting the cash. When questioned, he could not provide any satisfactory explanation regarding the source of this substantial amount."
The detained doctor is currently undergoing intensive interrogation at vigilance headquarters. Officials have confirmed that formal arrest procedures will be completed on Friday, following the ongoing questioning session.
Comprehensive Scrutiny Initiated
Vigilance authorities have announced that the doctor's professional conduct and departmental decisions will now undergo thorough examination. Following the successful interception operation, simultaneous searches were conducted at three different locations connected to the faculty member.
These coordinated searches aim to:
- Assess the total value of assets owned by the detained doctor
- Determine whether he possesses wealth disproportionate to his legitimate income sources
- Uncover any additional evidence of corrupt practices
Legal Proceedings Underway
A formal case has been registered against the medical faculty member under the stringent Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018. This legislation provides authorities with enhanced powers to investigate and prosecute corruption cases involving public officials and professionals in positions of trust.
Second Medical Professional Caught This Month
This incident marks the second instance within January where a medical professional has been apprehended in Odisha's vigilance net. Earlier on January 16, officials arrested a medical officer serving at the community health centre in Kaniha.
That case involved allegations of the medical officer accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 49,000 from women community health officers. The bribe was reportedly demanded to facilitate clearance of their legitimate incentive payments, highlighting concerning patterns of corruption within healthcare administration.
The back-to-back cases have prompted vigilance authorities to intensify scrutiny of financial transactions and procurement processes within medical institutions across Odisha. These operations demonstrate the state's continued commitment to rooting out corruption from vital public service sectors, particularly healthcare where ethical standards directly impact public welfare.
