STA deputy commissioner in Vigilance net, raids underway at 9 places

Vigilance sleuths on Thursday conducted simultaneous raids on nine properties linked to Pradeep Mohanty, Deputy Commissioner of the State Transport Authority (STA) in Cuttack. 

According to sources, the raids, carried out on allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, spanned multiple locations, including Bhubaneswar, Khordha, Puri, Nayagarh, and Cuttack.

The coordinated operation involved extensive searches across these districts, aiming to uncover evidence supporting the allegations against Mohanty. This action underscores the Odisha Vigilance Directorate's ongoing commitment to combating corruption within the state's administrative framework.

Details of Raids So Far:

The raid team includes two Additional SPs, 13 DSPs, 12 Inspectors, and 25 ASIs. The operation is being conducted under the direction of the Vigilance Special Judge in Bhubaneswar, sources informed.

Till the last report came in, the officials of the anti-corruption wing said to have laid their hands on many important documents and passbooks during the raid.

Cash around Rs 15 lakh and three gold biscuits and jewellery also recovered from Mohanty's house at Maitri Vihar in Bhubaneswar. Further raids are underway.

Also Read: Two Odisha agriculture dept officials under Vigilance scanner for ‘taking bribe’

Vigilance Report Card: 2024

In 2024, the Vigilance department registered over 200 criminal cases, leading to the arrest of 181 individuals, including 50 Class-I officers such as chief engineers and assistant commissioners.

The agency also uncovered illicit assets exceeding Rs 131 crore in 60 disproportionate assets cases and maintained a conviction rate of 50%, rising to 80% in disproportionate assets cases.