Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Odisha Home Department has come under serious allegations of cheating and criminal intimidation, with police seeking permission to initiate formal action against her.
Aradhana Das, a promoted IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, has been accused of defrauding a differently-abled man of ₹95 lakh on the pretext of providing land and later allegedly issuing death threats.
Allegation of ₹95 Lakh Fraud Over Land Deal
According to the complaint, the officer allegedly took ₹95 lakh from Kamal Kumar Bhawsinka, promising to provide land in the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) area.
However, the complainant has alleged that the land was never delivered, the money was spent, and no refund was made.
The payments were reportedly made by the complainant’s wife, Beena Bhawsinka, through the Bank of India on two separate occasions. A portion of the amount was also allegedly paid in cash.
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FIR Registered, Probe Confirms Transaction
A case has been registered at the CDA Phase-II Police Station, and an investigation report has confirmed that the ₹95 lakh transaction took place in connection with the land promise.
Officials said the officer allegedly did not cooperate with the investigation process, raising further concerns.
Police Seek Government Approval for Action
As per rules governing government servants, particularly IAS officers, prior sanction is required before initiating formal proceedings.
The Commissionerate of Police has written to the State Home Department and the General Administration Department (GAD), seeking permission to proceed against the officer.
In addition to financial fraud, the officer is also accused of using abusive language and issuing life-threatening warnings to the complainant.
Career Profile of Aradhana Das
Aradhana Das is a senior civil servant with over three decades of experience in state administration.
- She began her career in the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) and held several key positions, including Additional District Magistrate (Ganjam) and Additional Secretary in the ST & SC Development Department.
- She was promoted to the IAS under the 2024 select list and formally elevated in April 2025.
- Currently, she is serving as Joint Secretary (often referred to as Additional Secretary-level responsibilities) in the Odisha Home Department.
Recent Training and Recognition at LBSNAA
Following her induction into the IAS, Das underwent training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie.
In March 2026, she completed her induction training and was recognized as a top performer in a group presentation during the “Bharat Darshan” programme.
Controversy Casts Shadow Over Career
The allegations have cast a shadow over her otherwise long administrative career. Reports suggest that she has denied knowledge of the FIR as of early April 2026.
The case is now pending further action, subject to approval from the competent authorities, which will determine the next course of legal and departmental proceedings.
