By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Reports of alleged land fraud, cheating case involving Aradhana Das, a promoted IAS officer currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Home Department, Government of Odisha, has put Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Government in back foot.
As an IAS officer, any criminal proceedings require prior government approval (under relevant service rules).
Aradhana Das is accused of cheating a complainant named Kamal Kumar Bhawsinka , (reportedly a differently-abled person) by taking Rs 95 lakh on the promise of providing/allocating land in the CDA (Cuttack Development Authority) area of Cuttack, Odisha. She allegedly failed to deliver the land, spent the money, and did not return it.
Payments were made by complaint wife Beena Bhawsinka through Bank of India in 2 different dates including November 22, 2022 and November 25, 2022 in favour of Aradhana Das.
Police Investigation: A case was registered at CDA Phase-II police station in Cuttack.Inspector-in-Charge Anuradha Martha submitted a two-page investigation report to the Cuttack DCP on March 21, 2026.
The report states that evidence (including bank statements) confirms the Rs 95 lakh transaction occurred in connection with the land promise. Part of it was paid in cash (around Rs 10 lakh mentioned in some reports).
Das allegedly did not cooperate with the investigation: Commissionerate Police have written to the State Home Department and General Administration Department (GAD) seeking permission to initiate formal action against the IAS officer (as required under rules for government servants/IAS officers).
She is also accused of issuing abusive and life-threatening threats to the complainant.Aradhana Das has held positions in various departments, including earlier roles related to land/housing. She was promoted to Additional Secretary in the Home Department.
