Corruption
CBI Summons Senior Odisha IAS Officer in Rs 10 Lakh Bribery Probe
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi, a prominent figure in the Odisha cadre, as part of its investigation into a Rs 10 lakh bribery case. The agency has already arrested a senior official from a central public sector undertaking (PSU), a private company director, and another individual linked to the alleged corruption.
Bishnupada Sethi, currently serving as the Principal Secretary of the SC/ST Development, Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), and the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, was issued a notice on December 10. However, sources revealed that Sethi sought more time through his legal counsel after skipping the scheduled summons on December 11. He is yet to comment on the matter.
Key Developments in the Case
The CBI letter to Sethi states:
“It is learnt that you are acquainted with some important and relevant facts and circumstances of the instant CBI case, which are required to be ascertained from you. It’s therefore requested that you may kindly join the investigation of the instant CBI case.”
Sources further indicated that Sethi’s driver has also been summoned as part of the ongoing probe. While the exact link between Sethi and the alleged bribery remains unclear, insiders suggest the summons may be tied to projects awarded by Sethi during his tenure as Principal Secretary of the SC/ST Development Department to Bridge and Roof Co. (India) Limited, a Miniratna PSU.
Arrests and Recovery
On December 7, the CBI arrested Chanchal Mukherjee, Group General Manager of Bridge and Roof Co. (India) Limited, after he was allegedly caught accepting a Rs 10 lakh bribe from the director of a Bhubaneswar-based private company. The agency claimed to have recovered the bribe money from an SUV and described the transaction as a carefully orchestrated exchange facilitated by a third-party accomplice.
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The arrests were made under the provisions of Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Following these actions, the CBI conducted searches at eight locations in Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, seizing incriminating documents, digital evidence, and the vehicle used in the alleged crime.
A Larger Conspiracy?
The CBI has accused multiple individuals, including public servants and private parties, of being complicit in the case. Sources within the agency believe that the investigation could unveil a broader nexus involving corruption in project allocations and kickbacks within the SC/ST Development Department.
The case underscores the CBI’s commitment to cracking down on corruption and holding accountable those misusing public offices for personal gain. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the next steps and Sethi’s response to the allegations.
