High Court Clears Way for CBI to Arrest Senior IAS Officer
The Orissa High Court on Monday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi, opening the path for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to arrest and interrogate him in a high-profile bribery case. Justice Sashikanta Mishra, while delivering the verdict, remarked that “the shadow of corruption follows those who wield power,” as the court withdrew its earlier protection order for Sethi.

Allegations of Bribery and Abuse of Power
Sethi, currently serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the General Administration Department, is accused of conspiring with Chanchal Kumar Mukherjee, a top executive at the government-owned Bridge and Roof Company, to extort ₹10 lakh from Santosh Maharana, owner of Penta A Studio. The alleged bribe was reportedly linked to the clearance of project bills worth ₹37 crore.

Evidence Trails and Seized Items
According to the CBI, the bribery trail broke open on December 7, 2024, when Debdatta Mahapatra—suspected of being a middleman—was caught red-handed with cash in front of witnesses. Subsequent searches revealed luxury items allegedly gifted to Sethi’s daughter, including a MacBook and a high-end watch worth ₹1.46 lakh, recovered from her out-of-state college hostel.

Forensic Voice Match and Destroyed Devices
The CBI claims forensic analysis confirms Sethi’s voice on audio recordings pressuring Mahapatra for the bribe, using Mukherjee’s phone. Investigators also allege that Sethi operated a WhatsApp account in Mahapatra’s name. During a raid, Sethi allegedly destroyed two iPhones. Meanwhile, his wife declined to disclose the contents of two vacant lockers, prompting further investigation.

Family Under Scrutiny, Career in Question
The corruption scandal has now engulfed Sethi’s family, with his daughter also seeking legal protection. Once considered a reliable bureaucrat with decades of service, Sethi now faces the possible collapse of his career. With mounting evidence and heightened public scrutiny, the case signals a broader reckoning for Odisha’s administrative system, long accused of deep-rooted corruption.

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