Bhubaneswar has been rocked by a major corruption scandal as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues its high-profile raids and interrogations following the seizure of ₹10 lakh in cash from a Mercedes-Maybach car near Mayfair Hotel on December 7. The scandal has not only unearthed shocking levels of corruption but also exposed a well-oiled nexus of bribery involving government officials and private contractors.
The Bribery Web Unveiled
The central agency’s raid led to the arrest of three key individuals:
- Chanchal Mukherjee, Group General Manager of the Bhubaneswar office of Bridge and Roof Company (India) Ltd, a Central Government PSU under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
- Debadutta Mohapatra, Managing Director of Aditya Dev Infratech Pvt Ltd.
- Santosh Moharana, Director of M/s Penta A Studio Private Limited.
These individuals were allegedly caught red-handed in a bribery deal involving ₹10 lakh and gold ornaments. The CBI revealed that this exchange was to influence officials of Bridge and Roof Company to issue work orders and clear pending bills.
Lavish Lifestyles and Corruption
The scandal’s high-profile nature was amplified by the luxury items seized:
- A Mercedes-Maybach worth Rs.4 crore.
- A large amount of cash and gold ornaments.
- Documents exposing further illegal dealings.
Widening Probe: Offices and Residences Raided
Raids were conducted across four locations, including:
- The Bhubaneswar office of Bridge and Roof Company.
- The office of Aditya Dev Infratech Pvt Ltd.
- The office and residence of Santosh Moharana, Director of M/s Penta A Studio Private Limited.
The investigation also led to the discovery of a locker containing substantial cash and gold in the office of Aditya Dev Infratech Pvt Ltd, further deepening the gravity of the scandal.
Criminal Activities and Suspicions
The trio is being interrogated to uncover the extent of the corruption, including:
- Details of previous deals and tenders.
- Methods used to secure work orders and bypass due processes.
- The scale of bribery in past projects.
A Network of Silence and Escape
Manmohan Moharana, father of Santosh Moharana, has reportedly been absconding since the seizure. Meanwhile, other employees of the implicated companies have been brought under scrutiny, and some are suspected of being accomplices in this corruption ring.
Public Outrage and Need for Accountability
This scandal has sent shockwaves across Odisha, with public anger mounting against the blatant misuse of power and money. The exposure of such corruption within a government PSU has raised serious questions about accountability, transparency, and the safeguards in place to prevent such malpractices.
Call for Justice
As the CBI continues its investigation, the people of Odisha demand swift and stringent action against the culprits to send a strong message against corruption. This case is not just about Rs.10 lakh—it is about restoring faith in governance and ensuring that no one is above the law.
Let this serve as a reminder that corruption, no matter how deeply entrenched, can and will be uprooted when institutions like the CBI work with integrity and dedication.
Prasanta Patnaik