Bhubaneswar: In a significant development in an alleged bribery case involving a Rs 10 lakh transaction for a government project in Odisha, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi for questioning. The summons pertains to a high-profile case under investigation, with the CBI aiming to uncover critical details related to tender fixing in infrastructure projects.
In its official letter, the CBI stated that Sethi is believed to be acquainted with “important and relevant facts and circumstances” regarding the case, which require verification. The investigative agency has directed him to appear at the CBI office in Bhubaneswar’s Unit-8 area under Nayapalli police limits at 10 AM on December 11.
Bishnupada Sethi, who currently serves as the Principal Secretary in the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, ST & SC Development, Minorities, and Backward Classes Welfare Department, and Commissioner-Cum-Secretary in the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, is a senior bureaucrat holding multiple portfolios in the Odisha government.
As part of its investigation, the CBI has also requested information on the drivers associated with Sethi’s official vehicles. Sources suggest that the agency is scrutinizing potential irregularities in tender processes for infrastructure projects linked to the departments overseen by Sethi.
Reacting to the developments, Odisha’s Law Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, reiterated the state government’s firm stance on corruption. “Our government follows a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. No matter how influential an individual may be, strict action will be taken against anyone involved—whether a minister or an officer. Investigations must run their course, and whoever is found guilty will face punishment,” he told the media.
The CBI’s inquiry into the alleged tender-fixing racket signals a deeper probe into corruption within government projects, setting the stage for potential revelations in the coming days.
