Sambalpur, Apr 9: The Odisha Transport Corporation’s headquarters in Sambalpur faced asset attachment on Wednesday following a court order over unpaid dues.

The legal dispute stemmed from a case filed by businessman Saroj Tripathy in the year 2000, demanding the return of his security deposit.

According to reports, Tripathi had leased a bus from the Odisha Transport Corporation in 1999, depositing ₹50,000 as security. However, the bus provided was in poor condition, requiring significant personal investment for repairs.

Despite contractual obligations for a year, the transport department halted the bus’ operations within six months, forcing Tripathy to demand a refund of his security deposit.

After multiple court rulings in his favour, the Odisha Transport Corporation failed to return the funds. Ultimately, the Sambalpur Civil Court ordered the department to pay ₹3 lakh, including interest.

With no payments made, the court ordered attachment of assets on Wednesday as part of the recovery process.

The transport corporation’s financial mismanagement and legal negligence during the [revious government, led by Naveen Patnaik, have come under scrutiny following this development, raising questions about accountability and consumer rights in government-run enterprises.

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