Cuttack: In what officials describe as the largest-ever cash seizure in the history of Odisha Vigilance, the anti-corruption wing has recovered more than ₹4 crore in cash from the Bhubaneswar residence of Debabrata Mohanty, Deputy Director of Mines, Cuttack Circle.
Mohanty was arrested following a trap operation in which he was allegedly caught accepting a ₹30,000 bribe from a licensed coal trader.
Caught Red-Handed in Trap
According to Vigilance sources, Mohanty had reportedly demanded ₹30,000 in exchange for facilitating the smooth functioning of a coal depot and granting permission for coal transportation.
After receiving a complaint from the trader, Vigilance officials laid a trap and apprehended him while he was allegedly accepting the bribe.
Massive Cash Recovery From Bhubaneswar Flat
Following his arrest, simultaneous searches were conducted at multiple locations linked to the officer, including his flat at Nature’s Crest Apartment in Shree Vihar, Patia (Bhubaneswar), his parental house at Mathasahi in Bhadrak district, and his office chamber in Cuttack.
During the raid at his Bhubaneswar flat, officials recovered over ₹4 crore in cash, reportedly stored inside trolley bags and almirahs. The exact amount is still being counted.
An additional ₹1.20 lakh was recovered from his office drawer and personal possession.
Gold and Property Detected
Apart from cash, Vigilance officials also detected around 130 grams of gold and a 2,400 sq ft double-storey building at Pahala in Bhubaneswar.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to assess the total value of assets allegedly disproportionate to his known sources of income.
With searches still underway at various locations, officials indicate that further recoveries are possible.
Investigation Ongoing
The case has drawn significant attention as it marks a record-breaking seizure in the state’s anti-corruption history. Vigilance officials are now verifying financial records, property documents, and other linked assets to determine the full extent of the accused officer’s holdings.
Further legal proceedings will follow based on the outcome of the ongoing investigation
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