In a significant development, senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi has reportedly tendered his resignation following raids conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at his residence in Bhubaneswar.
The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into a ₹10 lakh bribery case involving the Bridge and Roof Company (India) Limited, a central public sector undertaking.
A handwritten letter, purportedly authored by Sethi and addressed to the Chief Secretary, has surfaced, wherein he questions the basis of the CBI’s actions. In the letter, Sethi asserts that no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against him and expresses concern over the damage to his dignity and reputation due to the raids.
The controversy began in December 2024 when the CBI arrested Chanchal Mukherjee, Group General Manager of Bridge and Roof Company, for allegedly accepting a ₹10 lakh bribe from a Bhubaneswar-based businessman in exchange for awarding work orders. Subsequently, Sethi was summoned by the CBI for questioning in connection with the case. However, he did not appear before the agency and was later transferred from his position as Principal Secretary to the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department to an Officer on Special Duty role in the General Administration & Public Grievance Department.
DAIJIWORLD
During the recent raid, Sethi alleged harassment by the CBI officials, stating that their behavior towards him and his family was rough. He maintained his innocence, denying any connection with Mukherjee or receipt of favors from the Bridge and Roof Company.
SAMBAD ENGLISH
As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding the acceptance of Sethi’s resignation. The situation continues to evolve, and further updates are awaited.
