Bhubaneswar, 17 October (H.S.): Odisha Vigilance has seized unaccounted suspected ill-gotten cash amounting to ₹21,88,620 from Prasanjit Das, Superintending Engineer of the Mahanadi Northern Division, Jagatpur, Cuttack, following a late-night operation in Bhubaneswar.

According to an official Vigilance release, acting on a tip-off regarding the alleged collection of bribes from contractors, Vigilance officials intercepted Das near AG Square in Bhubaneswar late Friday night while he was travelling in an officially hired Bolero vehicle. During the interception, officials recovered ₹7,28,620 in suspected unaccounted cash from his possession.

Following the interception, simultaneous searches were conducted Saturday at his rented residence at Flat No. D-401, Trident Galaxy, Ghatikia, Bhubaneswar, and his paternal residence at Baragada. During the search of his rented flat, officials recovered an additional ₹14,60,000 in cash.

The total seizure amounted to ₹21,88,620. As Das allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the source of the cash, the entire amount was seized for further investigation.

Das has been detained and is being interrogated to ascertain the source of the money and establish the circumstances surrounding its possession.

In connection with the case, Bhubaneswar Vigilance Police Station Case No. 24, dated October 16, 2026, has been registered under Section 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. Further investigation is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda