Odisha Deputy Director of Mines caught with Rs 4 crores cash packed in suitcases, highest-ever cash seize for Vigilance department

Odisha Deputy Director of Mines caught with Rs 4 crores cash
Odisha vigilance catches Deputy Director of Mines with over 4 crores cash, images via Ommcomm News and Odisha Vigilance X handle

Odisha Vigilance achieved its largest-ever cash seizure on February 25, 2026, recovering over ₹4 crores in unaccounted cash from the Bhubaneswar residence of Debabrata Mohanty, Deputy Director of Mines, Cuttack Circle. The total recovered amount may be much more as the raids and counting are still on.

Mohanty was arrested late Tuesday night in a trap operation after allegedly accepting a ₹30,000 bribe from a licensed coal vendor. The trap was laid by the vigilance department after complaints of bribery demands were made. Mohanty had allegedly demanded the amount to facilitate smooth coal depot operations and grant transport permissions.

After the arrest, teams of Odisha Vigilance made raids at the multiple residences of Debabrata Mohanty and his close family members. As per reports, searches were carried out at Mohanty’s paternal house at Mathasahi, Bhadrak district, his flat at Sree Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar.

Stacks and stacks of currency notes were found in suitcases, trolly bags and cupboards in Mohanty’s Bhubaneswar residence. An additional Rs 1.2 lakhs were found from his office. Currency counting machines have been deployed to count the notes.

Initial investigations into the government official’s properties have revealed that he owns a palatial double-story building in Pahala, Bhubaneswar, and many plots of land.

Officials described the haul as the highest single cash recovery in Odisha Vigilance’s history, spotlighting deep-rooted corruption in the mining sector. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with investigations continuing.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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