In a significant anti-corruption breakthrough, the Odisha Vigilance has seized more than ₹4 crore in unaccounted cash from the Bhubaneswar residence of Deputy Director of Mines Debabrata Mohanty. Officials confirmed that this marks the highest single-day cash recovery in the department’s history.
Bribery Allegation Triggers Major Raid
The operation began late Tuesday night after vigilance officials reportedly caught Mohanty accepting an alleged bribe of ₹30,000 from a licensed coal vendor. The payment was allegedly sought to facilitate smooth operations of the vendor’s coal depot and to grant permission for coal transportation.
Following the trap, simultaneous searches were conducted at three locations as part of a disproportionate assets (DA) investigation:
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Residential flat at Nature’s Crest Apartment, Shree Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar
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Parental house in Mathasahi, Bhadrak
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Office chamber in Cuttack
₹4 Crore Cash Recovered from Patia Flat
During the search at the Patia apartment, vigilance teams discovered stacks of currency notes concealed in trolley bags and almirahs. The total seizure exceeded ₹4 crore, with counting still underway to determine the final amount.
An additional ₹1.20 lakh was recovered from a drawer in Mohanty’s office chamber.
Additional Assets Unearthed
Investigators also reported the discovery of:
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A double-storeyed residential building measuring approximately 2,400 sq ft at Pahala, Bhubaneswar
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Gold ornaments weighing around 130 grams
Officials indicated that further details may emerge as the investigation progresses.
Case Registered Under Prevention of Corruption Act
A formal case has been registered against Mohanty under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, at the Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station. Searches at all identified locations are ongoing.
Administrative Impact
The case has drawn attention across administrative and mining sectors in Odisha. Authorities stated that the investigation will continue in accordance with due legal process, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Further updates are expected as officials complete asset verification and documentation procedures.
