CBI Summons IAS Officer in Rs 10 Lakh Bribery Case

Bhubaneswar: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi in connection with a Rs 10 lakh bribery case involving tender fixing for government projects in Odisha. Sethi has been directed to appear at the CBI office in Bhubaneswar on December 11 at 10 AM for questioning.

In its letter, the CBI stated that Sethi’s insights are crucial for the ongoing investigation. Sethi, who currently holds multiple portfolios, including Principal Secretary to the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, has been asked to provide details about drivers associated with official vehicles used in his departments.

The investigation stems from a raid conducted on December 7, which led to the arrest of Aditya Dev Infratech Pvt. Ltd. owner Debadatta Mahapatra, Bridge and Roof Co. (India) Ltd’s Group General Manager Chanchal Mukherjee, and Penta A Studio Private Ltd’s Director Santosh Moharana. The trio was caught with Rs 10 lakh in cash and gold jewelry allegedly intended as a bribe to influence tender decisions.

The CBI suspects the involvement of high-ranking officials in a tender-fixing racket tied to various infrastructure projects. Sethi’s interrogation is expected to shed light on these allegations.

Reacting to the developments, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption. “No matter how powerful a person is, strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty. An investigation will determine the truth, and anyone involved will face consequences,” the minister said.

The arrests and subsequent probe are part of the CBI’s broader efforts to crack down on corruption in government infrastructure projects in Odisha.