Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, the Orissa High Court on Monday dismissed the anticipatory bail application of senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi, who is embroiled in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) bribery case involving Bridge and Roof Company Ltd.
The court, presided over by Justice V Narasingh, had reserved its judgment after hearing Sethi’s petition earlier. The rejection marks a setback for the officer, who has been under investigation for alleged involvement in a corruption scandal.
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Background of the Case
The case stems from an incident on December 8, 2024, when the CBI arrested Chanchal Mukherjee, Director of Bridge and Roof Company Ltd., caught allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a contractor near a prominent Bhubaneswar hotel. Alongside Mukherjee, the CBI also detained contractor Santosh Maharana and alleged middleman Debadatta Mahapatra. This arrest triggered an expanded investigation into corruption and influence-peddling within the company and connected officials.
During the investigation, Bishnupada Sethi’s name emerged, prompting the CBI to raid his official residence in February 2025. Sethi has consistently denied any involvement, asserting that he is the victim of a politically motivated conspiracy.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The CBI summoned Sethi multiple times to provide his statement concerning his alleged links with Mukherjee and the other accused persons. In response, Sethi filed for anticipatory bail earlier this month to seek protection against arrest amid the ongoing probe.
While the High Court granted him interim protection and ordered security arrangements citing safety concerns, it ultimately rejected his plea for anticipatory bail on Monday, meaning the investigation will proceed without the relief sought.
