NEW DELHI– The legal net is tightening around Bishnupada Sethi, a senior Odisha-cadre IAS officer, after Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision to deny him anticipatory bail. The ruling paves the way for his potential arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a high-profile bribery case, sending shockwaves through the state’s administrative and political circles.
Senior Official Faces Bribery Allegations
The case against Mr. Sethi stems from a larger corruption probe linked to the Bridge and Roof Company Limited. The investigation, initiated by the CBI, unearthed evidence of a bribery transaction, leading to a seizure of ₹10 lakh in cash near a Bhubaneswar hotel. This discovery triggered a series of events, including coordinated raids on Mr. Sethi’s official residence and ancestral home, where investigators reportedly gathered substantial preliminary evidence against him.
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High Courts Uphold CBI’s Stance
Mr. Sethi’s legal team initially sought protection from arrest by filing an anticipatory bail plea with the Orissa High Court. However, the plea was rejected, leaving the officer vulnerable to potential detention. In a final attempt to avoid arrest, the case was escalated to the Supreme Court. However the Supreme Court echoed the High Court’s decision, effectively clearing the path for the CBI to proceed with its investigation and potential arrest.
Three Others Already Under Arrest
The CBI’s investigation has already led to the arrests of three other individuals connected to the case. These include the General Manager of the Bridge and Roof Company and two owners of separate firms, suggesting a broader network of individuals involved in the alleged bribery scheme. The arrests indicate that the case extends beyond the IAS officer, pointing to a potential conspiracy involving multiple parties.