Odisha Vigilance Makes Record Cash Seizure in Bribery Case
In a major crackdown on corruption, Odisha Vigilance officials on Wednesday morning recovered an astonishing unaccounted cash of Rs 4 crore from the residence of mines official Debabrata Mohanty. This seizure comes after his arrest the previous night for allegedly accepting a Rs 30,000 bribe from a coal vendor in Cuttack.
Highest-Ever Cash Recovery in State Trap Case
According to Vigilance director Yeshwant Jethwa, this incident involves the highest-ever cash seizure in a trap case within the state. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat graft in public offices.
Debabrata Mohanty, who served as deputy director of mines in Cuttack, had allegedly demanded the bribe from a licensed businessman. The payment was purportedly in exchange for facilitating coal depot operations and granting transport permissions, raising serious concerns about misconduct in regulatory roles.
Simultaneous Searches Uncover Hidden Wealth
Following his arrest, simultaneous searches were conducted at his flat in Shree Vihar, Patia, located in Bhubaneswar. Investigators unearthed over Rs 4 crore in cash, which was hidden in trolley bags and almirahs. An additional Rs 1.2 lakh was recovered from his office drawer, further implicating him in financial irregularities.
Other assets traced so far include a palatial double-storey building at Pahala in Bhubaneswar and approximately 130 grams of gold. The Vigilance officials are currently examining the source of this seized wealth and investigating possible links to other irregularities, suggesting a broader network of corruption.
Implications for Governance and Anti-Corruption Measures
This case underscores the persistent challenges in curbing corruption within government departments. The substantial cash recovery points to potential systemic issues that require stringent oversight and accountability mechanisms.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to delve deeper into Mohanty's financial dealings and connections. The findings could lead to further arrests and reforms aimed at enhancing transparency in mining and transport sectors.
The public response has been one of outrage, with calls for stronger anti-corruption laws and swift justice. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continuous vigilance and ethical governance to protect public resources.
