CBI summoned Principal Secretary IAS Bishnupada Sethi in Rs 10L bribery case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had summoned the Principal Secretary to Odisha Government, IAS Bishnupada Sethi, in connection with the investigation into the Rs 10 lakh bribery case.  The notice, which has been obtained by OTV, was issued from the CBI's New Delhi headquarters on December 10.

As per the letter, Sethi was required to appear at the CBI office in Bhubaneswar on the 11th of December at 10:00 am. The summons follows the arrest of three individuals earlier this month on the 6th of December.

Among those detained are Chanchal Mukherjee, head of the Odisha Division of Bridge and Roof (B&R) Company, along with contractor Santosh Maharana and super-class contractor Debdatta Mahapatra. The three are currently in remand for further interrogation by the CBI.

Also Read: CBI summons drivers of IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi in alleged Rs 10L bribery case

The investigation has also led to the involvement of Sethi’s drivers, who have also been called by the CBI to aid in the enquiry. Allegations suggest the drivers may have facilitated the transaction with Mukherjee.

As per reports, the Odisha government in ST&SC Development, M&BCW Department, recently assigned projects for Up-gradation of Ashram Schools to High Schools and High Schools to Higher Secondary Schools and others to the PSUs.

IAS Bishnupada Sethi, who is currently serving as the Principal Secretary to the Government has assigned the projects to Chanchal Mukherjee, the head of Bridge and Roof Private Ltd. Reports suggest the Rs 10L seized from a Mercedes Maybach was reportedly a bribe for the project.

When contacted, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said, “We have zero-tolerance towards any kind of corruption. No matter how influential a person is, if he/she is involved in corruption, then our government will ensure stringent action is taken against him/her. If there is any link found, then action will be taken as per law.”

No comments from Sethi could be obtained on the matter.