Odisha Vigilance intercepted two auditors of the ST&SC Department of the Odisha government in Baripada late Thursday night and seized a total of Rs 14.38 lakh in suspected ill-gotten cash, officials said.
Acting on credible information, Vigilance intercepted the two auditors while they were travelling from the District Welfare Officer (DWO) office in Baripada to their place of stay at a hotel in Roxy Lane after completing audit work.
The officials were travelling in the DWO’s office Scorpio when they were intercepted.
Rs 14.38 Lakh Cash Seized
During the interception, Vigilance officials allegedly found Rs 5,51,510 in cash in 52 envelopes and 20 loose bundles in the possession of the two auditors.
According to Vigilance, the duo could not satisfactorily explain the source of the cash.
Following the interception, searches were conducted at their hotel rooms. During the search, Vigilance officials reportedly unearthed and seized another Rs 8,86,830 in cash.
With the recovery from the auditors and their hotel rooms, the total cash seized stands at Rs 14,38,340.
The officials are being questioned to ascertain the source of the money.
Alleged Bribe Demand From Schools, Hostels
The two auditors had reportedly been staying in Baripada for the audit of the DWO office.
They subsequently took up audits of Ashrams, Sevashrams, high schools, higher secondary schools and SSD hostels under the SC/ST Department.
As part of the audit process, they had allegedly directed headmasters and other officials in charge of the institutions to report to Baripada with school and hostel files and registers.
According to Odisha Vigilance, allegations had been received that the auditors were demanding Rs 10 per enrolled student as bribe from school and hostel authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of audits.
Vigilance officials said the allegation was verified before the interception operation was carried out.
Searches Underway
Following the interception and cash seizure, Vigilance has launched further searches at locations connected with the two auditors as part of a disproportionate-assets (DA) angle.
The officials are being interrogated and searches are continuing.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
The allegations against the officials have not been established in court and will be subject to the outcome of the investigation and legal proceedings.
