Abuse of Power
Bribery Case Fallout: IAS Bishnupada Sethi Shunted to Special Duty Role Amid CBI Probe
Bishnupada Sethi, a senior Odisha IAS officer, has been transferred after being summoned by the CBI in a bribery case as a witness. The transfer follows the arrest of Chanchal Mukherjee, a public sector official, for allegedly accepting a Rs 10 lakh bribe.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 17, 2024 – The Odisha government has transferred Bishnupada Sethi, a 1995 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) summoned him as a witness in a bribery investigation.
Sethi, who was serving as the Principal Secretary of the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, has now been appointed as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with the General Administration and Public Grievance Department. He was also relieved of additional responsibilities, which included the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department and the ST&SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department.
Arrest and Allegations
The transfer comes just days after the CBI arrested Chanchal Mukherjee, Group General Manager of Kolkata-based Bridge and Roof Company, a central public sector enterprise. Mukherjee was caught allegedly accepting a Rs 10 lakh bribe from a real estate company for promising work orders. He was arrested in front of a hotel in Bhubaneswar after receiving the cash from the owner of the real estate firm.
CBI Summons to Sethi
Following Mukherjee’s arrest, the CBI summoned Bishnupada Sethi to appear at their Bhubaneswar office on December 11 for questioning. However, Sethi failed to appear, prompting the CBI to instruct him to present himself before noon on the following Wednesday. In their letter, the CBI emphasized that Sethi was “acquainted with important facts and circumstances” related to the bribery case, which required his clarification.
Investigations Underway
The CBI has already questioned two drivers allegedly linked to Sethi, along with the general manager of the hotel where the bribe exchange reportedly occurred. The investigation is ongoing to ascertain the depth of the case and the involvement of other officials, if any.
Government’s Response
The Odisha government’s move to transfer Sethi is seen as a precautionary step amidst growing scrutiny over the bribery scandal. As of now, Sethi remains posted in a non-executive role as the Officer on Special Duty.
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