Odisha Mines Dept Deputy Director caught taking Rs 30,000 bribe; Vigilance conducts raids

The Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday apprehended Debabrata Mohanty, Deputy Director of the Mines Department, Cuttack Circle, on charges of allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a coal trader.

According to official sources, the Vigilance Directorate laid a trap following a complaint lodged by a coal mining businessman. Mohanty was reportedly caught red-handed while accepting the bribe amount, which was allegedly demanded in connection with official work related to the complainant.

After his apprehension, Vigilance officials initiated an inquiry into his assets to ascertain whether he possesses properties disproportionate to his known sources of income. As part of the investigation, late-night searches were conducted at multiple locations linked to the accused.

Raids were carried out at his residence in the Sree Vihar area of Bhubaneswar, his office premises in Cuttack, and other associated places. During the searches, officials of the anti-corruption agency reportedly seized several important documents, including bank passbooks, investment bonds and property records.

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Officials stated that further investigation is underway, and more details are expected after the completion of searches and verification of documents. The incident has once again brought allegations of corruption within the department under scrutiny.