Baripada, Sept 11: The Odisha Vigilance Department has intercepted and detained two audit officers in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, after allegedly finding more than ₹5 lakh in unaccounted cash in their possession.

The two officials have been identified as Pragnya Prakash Patra and Prashant Pradhan, who are reportedly working as audit officers under the ST&SC Development Department in Bhubaneswar.

According to preliminary information, a specialised Vigilance team had been tracking the movements of the two officials since the previous night. The team subsequently intercepted them in Baripada and recovered the cash from their possession.

The officials were reportedly unable to provide a satisfactory explanation or valid supporting documents regarding the large amount of cash. Following the recovery, the money was seized by the Vigilance officials on suspicion that it could be linked to illicit or unexplained financial transactions.

The Vigilance Department has initiated further investigation into the matter. As part of the probe, officials may examine the financial records, assets and other relevant documents linked to the two officers to ascertain the source and purpose of the cash.

Further details regarding the exact amount seized and the next course of action are awaited.