Argus News - How Odisha Vigilance Outsmarted Govt Official: the 2-Year trap that paid Off

Bhubaneswar, Feb 28: In yet another sensational development in the DA - disproportionate asset - case against Debabrata Mohanty, Deputy Director of Mines, Cuttack Circle, the accused was found to have secretly purchased a luxury flat worth ₹5 crore.

The vigilance sleuths had uncovered more than ₹4 crore in cash from the residence of Mohanty. What began as a two-year-long covert investigation culminated in a raid that exposed a web of corruption, hidden properties, and black money stashed away in the most unlikely places.

 The Hidden Wealth

Investigators revealed that Mohanty had secretly purchased a luxury flat in Sahid Nagar worth ₹5 crore, paying ₹1 crore in advance to the builder. Despite living a seemingly ordinary life, neighbours described him as extremely cautious. “He was never leaving doors open,” said a neighbour.

Also Read: Odisha Vigilance Raid Uncovers Record Seizure of Cash: See Top 10 Biggest Hauls

Investigators believe that the accused often hid cash beneath his bed. Vigilance suspects this was part of a larger black money trail that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is now set to probe.

 
The Sting Operation

The case traces back two years when a complainant alleged harassment and bribery demands by Mohanty. Though initial attempts to trap him failed, a vigilant officer maintained contact with the whistleblower. When Mahanty resurfaced with fresh demands, the officer seized the opportunity.

The complainant, initially hesitant, was persuaded through relentless counselling by Vigilance officers - even receiving motivational clips from the Bhagavad Gita urging him to stand against corruption. Finally, the complainant agreed to cooperate, setting the stage for the trap.

 The Dramatic Arrest

On February 23, Vigilance tracked Mohanty’s movements, discovering his rented flat in Chandrasekharpur. The next day, officers waited patiently for hours outside his office. When the complainant entered with witnesses and undercover officers, Mohanty grew suspicious after spotting extra people on CCTV. He instructed the complainant to leave the bribe money in his office drawer. And that was the moment Vigilance stormed in, catching him red-handed.

 The Apartment Mystery

Initially, Mohanty denied owning any property other than his Pahal residence. But officers had already trailed him to his secret rented flat. Even his driver was unaware of the exact location, as Mohanty deliberately kept him at a distance.

When Vigilance reached the Patia apartment, Mohanty’s wife denied knowing him. But a phone call from Mohanty to her exposed the truth - the mobile rang inside the flat. A subsequent search revealed stacks of cash hidden away, confirming suspicions of massive corruption.

 What Lies Ahead

With crores seized and evidence of concealed assets, Vigilance has cracked open one of Odisha’s most high-profile corruption cases. The ED is expected to step in soon, tracing the money trail and unearthing the full extent of Mohanty’s illicit empire.