Bribe Bust: Odisha Vigilance Seizes Rs 21.88 Lakh from Superintending Engineer
Odisha Vigilance intercepted a superintending engineer in Bhubaneswar, seizing over Rs 21 lakh in suspected bribe money from his vehicle and home.
In a major crackdown on corruption, the Odisha Vigilance department has seized unaccounted cash totaling Rs 21.88 lakh from a high-ranking official. The operation, which unfolded through a late-night interception and subsequent raids, has left the state's engineering circles in shock.
The Midnight Interception
The drama began late Friday night near AG Chowk in Bhubaneswar. Acting on a specific tip-off that bribes were being collected from various contractors, Vigilance officials laid a trap for Prasanjit Das, the Superintending Engineer of the Mahanadi Northern Division in Jagatpur, Cuttack.
Das was intercepted while traveling in his officially hired vehicle. During the initial search of the engineer and his vehicle, officials recovered Rs 7,28,620 in suspected ill-gotten cash.
Raids Reveal More Hidden Wealth
The investigation didn't stop at the roadside. Following the initial seizure, the Vigilance team launched simultaneous early-morning searches on Saturday at two separate locations linked to the official:
- His rented apartment (D-401, Trident Galaxy) located in the Ghatikia area of Bhubaneswar.
- His paternal residence in Baragada.
The search at his rented flat proved to be a goldmine for investigators, as they uncovered an additional Rs 14.60 lakh. This brought the total amount of seized cash to Rs 21,88,620.
Investigation and Detainment
According to the Odisha Vigilance department, Prasanjit Das was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the massive amount of cash found in his possession and his home. Consequently, the entire sum was seized on the spot.
Das has been detained by the authorities and is currently undergoing intense interrogation. Investigators are working to trace the exact source of the funds and identify the contractors allegedly involved in the bribery chain.
A formal case has been registered at the Bhubaneswar Vigilance police station, and a detailed investigation is now underway to uncover the full extent of the corruption.