High-Profile IAS Officer Bishnupada Sethi Receives Court Protection Amid Bribery Allegations

Court Grants Interim Relief to Bishnupada Sethi

Cuttack: The High Court of Orissa has granted interim protection to senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi amidst allegations of bribery linked to Bridge and Roof Corporation Limited. The court has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to refrain from taking any coercive actions against Sethi until the next hearing, which is set for May 6.

The CBI initiated an investigation claiming that Sethi accepted a bribe amounting to Rs 10 lakh in exchange for approving a bill associated with Bridge and Roof Corporation Limited. Earlier this year, the agency conducted searches at his home as part of their inquiry. Although his name was not included in the FIR, Sethi sought legal recourse from the High Court to contest the agency's actions.

He contended that the CBI's raid and the ensuing investigation were unlawful and requested protection from any coercive actions. Justice S.K. Panigrahi, presiding over the case, granted interim relief, preventing the CBI from taking any stringent measures against him while further proceedings are underway.

The CBI's investigation commenced in February, focusing on alleged corruption related to payments for government contracts. The agency also scrutinized various documents obtained during the raid at Sethi's residence.

This case has garnered significant attention due to the seniority of the officer involved and the serious nature of the allegations, particularly concerning projects related to the Smart City initiative.