In a major anti-corruption operation late Friday night, the Odisha Vigilance department recovered a massive amount of cash from the possession of a senior government engineer. Officials seized a total of 21 lakh 88 thousand 620 rupees in cash during the extensive searches. The accused official has been identified as Prasanjit Das, who is currently posted as a superintending engineer at the Mahanadi Northern Division in Jagatpur, Cuttack. The vigilance unit had received specific intelligence inputs indicating that the engineer was systematically collecting bribe money from various contractors. Acting on this tip-off, authorities intercepted him near AG Square in Bhubaneswar and subsequently conducted simultaneous searches across multiple residential properties associated with him.
Cash Recovered From Vehicle and Rented Apartment
According to official details, Prasanjit Das was traveling late at night in a hired Bolero vehicle for official work when he was intercepted near AG Square in Bhubaneswar. During the initial search of his vehicle, enforcement officers uncovered 7 lakh 28 thousand 620 rupees in cash. Suspicious about the legitimacy of such a large sum being carried in a vehicle, the vigilance team expanded the scope of the operation and launched coordinated searches at his other locations. On Saturday morning, a vigilance team raided flat number D-401 located at Trident Galaxy Apartment in the Ghatikia area of Bhubaneswar, which was rented by the engineer. An additional 14 lakh 60 thousand rupees in cash was discovered during the search of this apartment. Along with these locations, searches were also carried out at his native house in Baragada, bringing the total cumulative cash seizure to 21 lakh 88 thousand 620 rupees.
Engineer Fails to Explain Source of Funds
The vigilance department stated that Prasanjit Das completely failed to provide any satisfactory or lawful explanation regarding the source of such a huge amount of cash. Since he could not justify the possession of the funds, the entire amount was seized on the spot. The accused officer has been taken into custody for intensive interrogation and further legal proceedings. The vigilance team is currently investigating how long this alleged extortion racket has been running and whether other individuals or contractors are involved in the nexus of corruption. Authorities are meticulously examining financial records and digital devices to trace the trail of illicit money.
Case Registered Under Prevention of Corruption Act
Following the successful raid, a formal case was registered at the Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station on October 16, 2026, bearing case number 24. The authorities have booked the accused under section 13(2) and amended section 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The investigation into the matter is currently underway, with vigilance officials analyzing the seized currency and examining allegations of taking kickbacks from contractors. Further startling revelations regarding the scale of the corruption are expected once the comprehensive investigation concludes.
