Argus News - Odisha Vigilance Seizes Over Rs 45L from OPHWC Official

Sambalpur, Apr 1: In a major crackdown on corruption, Odisha Vigilance officials have seized unaccounted cash worth more than Rs 45 lakh from Bidyut Ranjan Bhol, Deputy Manager of the Sambalpur Division of the Odisha Police Housing & Welfare Corporation (OPHWC).

According to reports, the anti-corruption team had launched the raids after Bhol was intercepted at Sambalpur Railway Station following credible intelligence about his involvement in collecting huge sums of bribe money. During the search, officials recovered Rs 5,18,900 in cash from his possession, which he failed to explain satisfactorily.

Subsequently, simultaneous raids were conducted at multiple locations, including his residence at Police Housing Colony in Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar, and his sister’s house in Chandrasekharpur. These searches led to further recoveries of Rs 5,41,700 and Rs 34,81,000 respectively. The total cash seized so far exceeds Rs 45 lakh, suspected to be disproportionate assets amassed through corrupt practices.

The Vigilance department has confirmed that investigations are ongoing to trace additional assets and sources of income.

Officials stated that the raids were part of a larger effort to curb corruption and ensure accountability among public servants.

This case has sent shockwaves across the state, highlighting the vigilance department’s intensified drive against graft. The seizure underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and integrity in public administration.