Rs 4 crore cash seized from Odisha Mines Deputy Director’s Bhubaneswar flat after bribery arrest

A search at the residence of a government officer in Odisha led to a massive cash recovery, leaving investigators stunned. Bundles of currency notes were found in cupboards and trolley bags kept under the bed, with cash emerging from nearly every storage space opened during the raid.

The Odisha Vigilance Department has so far recovered ₹4 crore from the Bhubaneswar flat of Debabrata Mohanty, Deputy Director of Odisha’s Mines Department. Officials said they cannot recall the last time such a large amount of cash was seized by the state’s anti-corruption wing. The search is still ongoing, and investigators believe more illegal cash may be recovered.

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Bribery allegations and red-handed arrest

According to sources, Mohanty works in the Cuttack circle of the Mines Department. Allegations of corruption had been raised against him for some time, and bribery charges recently surfaced. A few days ago, he was caught red-handed while allegedly accepting a ₹30,000 bribe from a coal trader.

Investigators stated that Mohanty had demanded ₹30,000 from the businessman in exchange for allowing his coal business to continue without hindrance.

Simultaneous searches across locations

Following his arrest, simultaneous searches were launched at his office chamber in Cuttack, his ancestral home in Bhadrak, and his flat in Bhubaneswar.

Officers from the state’s anti-corruption wing began searching his flat on Wednesday morning. Upon opening cupboards and trolley bags, they found large sums of cash arranged in layers. Officials said such a substantial recovery is unprecedented in recent memory.

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Gold, property and legal action

In addition to the ₹4 crore recovered from the flat, approximately ₹1.20 lakh was seized from Mohanty’s office drawer and personal room.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Mohanty owns a two-story house built on approximately 2,400 square feet of land in Bhubaneswar. Around 130 grams of gold, along with valuable jewellery and gemstones, were also recovered.

A case has been registered against Mohanty under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 at the Bhubaneswar Vigilance police station.