Bhubaneswar, Feb 25: In the largest cash seizure in Odisha Vigilance’s history, the agency uncovered more than Rs 4 crore in cash from a flat in Bhubaneswar linked to Debabrata Mohanty, the Deputy Director of Mines posted in the Cuttack Circle. Mohanty was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a licensed coal vendor. Following his arrest, simultaneous searches were conducted at multiple locations associated with him.
The raids took place at Mohanty’s residential flat in Shree Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar, his parental house in Mathasahi, Bhadrak district, and his office in Cuttack. During the search at his Bhubaneswar flat, Vigilance officials found over Rs 4 crore in cash hidden inside trolley bags and almirahs. The exact amount is still being counted.
This cash seizure marks the highest-ever haul by Odisha Vigilance. In addition to the cash, Rs 1.20 lakh was recovered from his office drawer and from his personal belongings.
The investigation also revealed other assets linked to Mohanty, including a luxurious double-storeyed building in Pahala, Bhubaneswar, spanning about 2,400 square feet, and approximately 130 grams of gold.
Vigilance officials confirmed that searches are ongoing, and further details will be disclosed after the completion of asset verification and valuation.
