Court in Odisha Denies Anticipatory Bail for IAS Officer Bishnupada Sethi
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the alleged Rs 10 lakh bribery case involving senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi has taken a significant turn following the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea by the High Court of Orissa.
The CBI, which is currently investigating the case related to alleged irregularities in the Bridge and Roof Company Limited, a Union government's public sector undertaking (PSU), conducted a day-long search at Sethi's official residence in Bhubaneswar on February 18. During the search, the CBI questioned Sethi about his role in the case.
The investigation has uncovered substantial preliminary evidence, including seized cash, telephonic conversations linking Sethi to the bribery, and gifts to his family members from accused parties in connection to a government project. Sethi's official residence was raided by the CBI as part of the investigation, and he has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated.
The court's decision in the Sethi case could potentially serve as a precedent in other high-profile corruption cases involving senior public officials. The High Court ruled against granting Sethi relief, stating there were insufficient grounds to justify anticipatory bail.
As of now, the CBI has not issued an official statement regarding the High Court's ruling. However, the rejection of bail indicates that the probe is ongoing with potential for further legal action. The CBI's investigation into the alleged bribery case is expected to accelerate following the High Court's rejection of Sethi's anticipatory bail plea.
It is important to note that the case is not limited to the alleged bribery of Rs 10 lakh; it also involves Sethi's alleged links with the Bridge and Roof Company. The CBI is probing allegations that Sethi accepted a bribe in exchange for favours related to the PSU.
The rejection of Sethi's anticipatory bail plea comes at a critical juncture in the CBI investigation. The agency is working diligently to uncover the truth and bring those involved in the alleged irregularities to justice. The public can expect updates on the case as the investigation progresses.
[1] The Indian Express, "CBI raids Bhubaneswar home of IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi in bribery case," February 19, 2025. [2] The Times of India, "CBI probe into IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi's alleged Rs 10 lakh bribery case gains momentum," February 20, 2025. [3] The Hindu, "IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi denies charges in CBI bribery case," February 21, 2025. [4] The New Indian Express, "Orissa High Court rejects anticipatory bail plea of IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi in CBI bribery case," February 22, 2025.
[1] The rejection of IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi's anticipatory bail plea by the High Court of Orissa has fueled speculation that the general-news story about the CBI's investigation into the alleged bribery case could potentially expand into a larger politics and crime-and-justice issue.
[2] As the CBI's investigation into the alleged bribery case involving Bishnupada Sethi continues, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest updates, as the case also implicates the Bridge and Roof Company Limited, a Union government's public sector undertaking (PSU).
