Vigilance Raid / Odisha Vigilance Seizes Rs5 Lakh Bribe Cash from Rourkela Excise Superintendent

Rourkela, Sept 11: Odisha Vigilance officials on Friday intercepted a vehicle outside the Excise Superintendent’s Office in Uditnagar, Rourkela, recovering Rs5 lakh in cash allegedly linked to Superintendent of Excise, Dhaneswar Barad.

According to Vigilance sources, reliable inputs suggested Barad had collected large sums of bribe money from excise licensees. Acting on the tip‑off, a surveillance team kept watch on him. The officials intercepted a Scorpio (Regd. No. OD‑14AD‑1314) in front of his office. The vehicle was being used by a salesman of a local wine shop to deliver the cash to Barad’s residence.

The salesman admitted the money had been handed over by Barad for delivery. On confrontation, Barad himself acknowledged the transaction and failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the recovered amount. The cash was seized in the presence of witnesses.

Case Registered

Following the seizure, Rourkela Vigilance Police Station registered Case No. 12 dated September 11, 2026, under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.

Searches and Investigation

Simultaneous searches were launched at Barad’s office and residential premises to investigate disproportionate assets. Vigilance officials confirmed that the investigation is in progress and further details will be shared once searches conclude.
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The incident underscores Vigilance’s continuing crackdown on corruption in Odisha’s excise department, where illegal gratification has long been a concern. Officials reiterated their commitment to pursue cases of graft to their logical conclusion, ensuring accountability and transparency in public service.