Bhubaneswar: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned senior IAS officer of Odisha Bishnupada Sethi along with his drivers in connection with its probe into the alleged bribery involving Rs 10 lakh. The notice was issued from the CBI’s headquarters in New Delhi on December 10.
As per the letter, Sethi was required to appear at the CBI office in Bhubaneswar on the December 11 at 10 am. “It is learnt that you are acquainted with some important and relevant facts and circumstances of the instant CBI case, which are required to be ascertained from you,” said the CBI letter issued to Sethi.
As per information, all the drivers who worked with IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi in last six years, have also been summoned to appear before the CBI office in Bhubaneswar. This move is linked to the ongoing inquiry against Chanchal Mukherjee, chief of Central PSU Bridge and Roof’ Company in Odisha. Chanchal along with contractors Santosh Maharana and Debadatta Mahapatra were arrested recently from a hotel in Bhubaneswar by the CBI.
The three was apprehended by the CBI on December 6 from outside a hotel in Bhubaneswar, as they were reportedly involved in the bribery transaction. Allegations suggest the drivers may have facilitated the transaction with Mukherjee.
Mukherjee, Maharana and Mahapatra have been drawn into the investigation. The trio is currently under CBI remand and being interrogated for the second time.
Sethi was not available for comment. Sources said the Odisha government in ST&SC Development, M&BCW Department, recently assigned projects for up-gradation of Ashram Schools to High Schools and High Schools to Higher Secondary Schools and others to the PSUs.
Sethi, who is currently posted as the Principal Secretary to the government, had reportedly assigned the projects to Chanchal Mukherjee’s company. Reports suggest the Rs 10 lakh seized from a vehicle outside a hotel was reportedly a bribe for the project.