TV
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted an extensive search on the official residence of senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Bishnupad Sethi in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
As per sources, the operation is part of an ongoing investigation involving Sethi’s alleged link with the Bridge and Roof Company Limited.
An eight-member CBI team from New Delhi arrived at Sethi’s official quarters at 8 am on Wednesday, initiating searches connected to alleged irregularities linked to the Bridge and Roof Company Limited. They also reportedly quizzed Sethi about the matter.
As per reports, CBI also conducted raids at the SC and ST Department that had issued a tender to the Bridge and Roof Company Limited by allegedly showing undue favour. The CBI sleuths checked various documents during the raid.
Must Read: CBI summoned Principal Secretary IAS Bishnupada Sethi in Rs 10L bribery case
As per sources, the raid was conducted following an order from the court. Initially, the CBI sleuths were reportedly not allowed entry into the house by Sethi and his family members. Subsequently, there was allegedly a heated exchange between Sethi and the CBI sleuths.
“I have no link with Bridge and Roof Company and I have not got any undue favour from the company. There is no FIR against me. I don’t know why the raid is being conducted,” said Sethi.
“We are being implicated falsely and harassed,” said Sethi’s wife.
Earlier, CBI had summoned and questioned Sethi over the alleged bribery case involving Rs 10 lakh transaction for a government project in Odisha. Even Sethi’s name was also mentioned in the case diary. CBI had also earlier questioned three drivers of Sethi regarding the matter.
Speculations are rife that IAS Bishnupada Sethi has reportedly tendered his resignation protesting CBI raids.
A handwritten letter regarding the matter addressing the chief secretary has surfaced. In the letter, Sethi questioned why the raids are being conducted without any FIR against him. He also mentioned in the letter that his dignity and reputation have been damaged due to the raids by the CBI.
