Odisha Vigilance Makes Record Cash Seizure from Mines Official's Residence
In a major crackdown on corruption, vigilance sleuths in Odisha have seized an astonishing Rs 4.27 crore in unaccounted cash from the Bhubaneswar residence of Debabrata Mohanty, the deputy director of mines. This recovery, made on Wednesday, is being hailed as the biggest single-operation seizure in the state's history, highlighting deep-rooted irregularities in the mining sector.
Arrest and Subsequent Raids Uncover Massive Wealth
The cash was discovered just a day after the 58-year-old Mohanty was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a coal vendor in Cuttack. Vigilance director Yeshwant Jethwa revealed that Mohanty, serving as deputy director of mines in the Cuttack circle, had been accused of demanding monthly payments from licensed coal traders to facilitate depot operations.
Following his arrest, simultaneous searches were conducted at his Shree Vihar flat in Bhubaneswar. Officials unearthed the massive sum of Rs 4.27 crore hidden inside trolley bags and cupboards. Additionally, Rs 1.2 lakh was recovered from his office chamber in Cuttack, further implicating him in financial misconduct.
Investigation Expands to Include Assets and Wider Probe
Investigators also uncovered other significant assets, including a palatial double-storey house at Pahala and approximately 130 grams of gold. Vigilance officers are now intensively probing the source of the seized wealth, the period over which it was accumulated, suspected involvement of other officials, and potential links to broader irregularities in the mining industry.
SP (vigilance) Saroj Kumar Samal provided details on the case, stating, "We are investigating his modus operandi and chasing the money trail. He had demanded a monthly bribe of Rs 40,000 from the coal depot owner. When the businessman resisted, he agreed to Rs 30,000. The businessman then approached us." Samal also noted that Mohanty was previously booked in an alleged fund misappropriation case in September 2009 in Balasore, indicating a history of questionable conduct.
Background and Public Outrage Over Corruption
Mohanty joined government service on August 9, 2004, with an initial salary of Rs 8,000 per month. He currently draws about Rs 1.12 lakh monthly. His career began as a junior mining officer in Balangir, with subsequent postings in Baripada, Berhampur, Cuttack, and Bhubaneswar between 2004 and 2018. Promoted to assistant mining officer (chief surveyor) in 2018, he later served in Sambalpur and Phulbani before assuming charge as deputy director of mines for the Cuttack circle on January 7, 2026, with jurisdiction covering Cuttack and Kendrapada districts.
The record seizure has sparked widespread public outrage over alleged entrenched corruption in Odisha's mining sector. Social activist Akhaya Das emphasized, "The officer could not have amassed such wealth overnight. There must be a chain of beneficiaries. The probe should not stop with his arrest — everyone involved must be exposed." This case underscores ongoing challenges in governance and accountability within state departments.
