Bhubaneswar, September 5: Odisha Vigilance officials detained an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), after seizing unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 3.15 lakh from her possession on Saturday evening.

According to the Vigilance release, the team intercepted Kendrapada Drainage Division Assistant Executive Engineer, Anupama Sahoo at Marshaghai Crossing on NH 53-A, while she was carrying the ill-gotten cash in her official vehicle.

It is alleged that the accused AEE collected the bribe from contractors for clearing pending bills.

Following the interception, the during search operations, the anti-graft body officials also seized Rs 4 lakh in cash from the residence of the AEE in Kendrapada. With this, the total cash recovery comes to Rs 7,15,000.

“Today i.e on 05.09.2026, on receipt of reliable input regarding collection of bribes from contractors for clearing pending bills by Smt. Anupama Sahoo, Asst. Executive Engineer, Drainage Division (AEE), Kendrapada at her office, she was intercepted by a team of Odisha Vigilance at Marshaghai Crossing, NH 53-A while on her way to residential house at Nayanvihar, Kendrapada from her office in office vehicle bearing Regd No OD-29-S-6644, and cash Rs 3,15,000/- (suspected ill-gotten cash) was recovered from her possession,” stated the Vigilance release.

As she could not satisfactorily explain the source of such huge cash, the amount along with the vehicle was seized. Following this, searches have been launched at her office and residential locations to investigate disproportionate assets.

“Following interception, searches are ongoing at locations linked to Smt Sahoo. Further, cash Rs 4 lakh recovered during search at her Kendrapara residence. With this the total cash recovery comes to Rs 7,15,000/-. She is being examined to ascertain the source of such huge cash,” it added.