Odisha Vigilance Detains Senior Official Over Bribery Charges in Cuttack
Synopsis
In a noteworthy crackdown, the Odisha Vigilance has arrested a senior official for allegedly accepting bribes from a coal vendor. This incident highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the state.
Key Takeaways
Odisha Vigilance has arrested a senior government official for bribery.
The accused was caught demanding a bribe of Rs 30,000 .
Investigations are underway to uncover any disproportionate assets.
The state has recorded 416 corruption cases against officials recently.
22 Vigilance Courts have been established for prompt trials.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 25 (NationPress) In a significant move, the Odisha Vigilance has apprehended a high-ranking government official on charges of accepting a bribe from a licensed coal vendor, purportedly to ensure the smooth operation of the vendor's business.
As per sources from the Vigilance on Tuesday, the accused, Debabrata Mohanty, who holds the position of Deputy Director of Mines in Cuttack, was caught red-handed while demanding a bribe of Rs 30,000 from the coal vendor. This bribe was intended to facilitate uninterrupted operations at his coal depot and to obtain necessary permissions for coal transportation.
The Vigilance team also confiscated the entire sum of the illicit bribe from Mohanty's possession.
Following the arrest, coordinated searches are being conducted at three locations linked to Mohanty to investigate potential possession of any disproportionate assets.
A formal case has been lodged against Mohanty under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, at the Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station as of Monday.
Notably, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the State Assembly on Monday that the Vigilance Department has recorded a total of 416 cases against government officials and employees in Odisha for engaging in bribery, financial misconduct involving government funds, and holding disproportionate assets between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025.
He further revealed that out of these, 244 cases are still under investigation, while in 172 cases, after investigations were completed, final forms have been submitted, and the cases remain pending in court.
The state government has established 22 Vigilance Courts across Odisha, which includes two special courts and two courts for authorized officers, aimed at ensuring prompt adjudication of various vigilance-related cases and asset confiscation proceedings.
Additionally, a new Vigilance Court has recently been set up in the Bargarh district.
Moreover, the Odisha government has initiated several measures to further enhance the capabilities of the Vigilance department.
Point of View
It is critical to recognize the implications of this arrest on the broader fight against corruption in India. The vigilance efforts in Odisha serve as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability within government operations.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested by the Odisha Vigilance?
Debabrata Mohanty, the Deputy Director of Mines in Cuttack, was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe from a coal vendor.
What was the amount of the bribe?
The bribe amount was Rs 30,000 .
What actions are being taken against the accused?
Simultaneous searches are being conducted at three locations linked to Mohanty to investigate any disproportionate assets.
What legal actions have been taken?
A case has been registered against Mohanty under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
How many cases have been registered against government officials in Odisha?
A total of 416 cases have been registered against government officials and employees for corruption-related offenses.
