Tender fixing in Odisha: Arrested contractor fell ill during interrogation; IAS Sethi yet to appear before CBI

The Joint Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) reached Bhubaneswar on Monday to take stock of the investigation process into the Rs 10 lakh bribery case. It has been learnt that the case is being investigated under the direct supervision of the CBI Joint Director.

As per reports, contractor Santosh Moharana, who has been arrested and taken into remand in connection with the case as the main accused, became ill before the completion of the remand period. He has been admitted to the Capital Hospital after suffering from diarrhoea.

As per sources, the CBI is taking a 360-degree angle to have a thorough probe into the bribery case.

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On the other hand, Principal Secretary to Odisha Government, IAS Bishnupada Sethi is yet to appear before CBI despite repeated summons. Meanwhile, security around the government quarters of Sethi has been reportedly tightened.

“CBI inquiry into the matter is going on and I will not give any comment about it. Everything will be clear after CBI report comes out. CBI has got all the documents and some of our officials are questioned. We are fully cooperating with the CBI in the investigation process,” said BK Singh, General Manager (East Coast) of B&R Company.

“We have been working on various projects of the State government for the last eight to 10 years. No tender fixing has been done,” he added.