Cuttack SCB Medical College Associate Professor held with Rs 2.63L by Odisha Vigilance

The Odisha Vigilance Department on Thursday intercepted an associate professor of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, on charges related to possession of unaccounted cash allegedly linked to corrupt practices.

According to official sources, Dr. Sanatana Behera, Associate Professor in the Department of Hepatology at SCB Medical College and Hospital, was intercepted on January 29, 2026, at Kathagolasahi–Medical Road in Cuttack while he was proceeding to his government residential quarters.

Illegal Cash Taken From Bidders

Acting on credible intelligence inputs regarding the alleged collection of illegal cash from bidders involved in the supply of medical instruments to the hepatology department, a vigilance team stopped Dr. Behera while he was riding his Hero Honda Activa scooter bearing registration number OD-05-BS-7309.

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During the interception, vigilance officials recovered suspected ill-gotten cash amounting to Rs 2.63 lakh from Dr. Behera’s possession. As he reportedly failed to satisfactorily explain the source of the cash, the amount was seized under due legal procedure.

Simultaneous Searches On

Following the seizure, the Odisha Vigilance launched simultaneous searches at three locations linked to Dr. Behera to investigate the matter from a disproportionate assets angle.

Dr. Behera was being examined by vigilance authorities to determine the source and intended use of the seized funds. In connection with the incident, Cuttack Vigilance Police Station Case No. 4/2026 has been registered against him under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018.

Vigilance officials have stated that further action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation, and a detailed report is awaited as the probe progresses.