By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: RTI Activist Srikant Pakal has written to Bhubaneswar CBI Office requesting for immediate arrest of Senior IAS Officer Bishnupada Sethi in Rs 10 Lakh bribery case and related corruption allegations.
‘I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the need for the immediate arrest of Mr. Bishnupada Sethi, a senior IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, in connection with the Rs 10 lakh bribery case currently under your investigation. The Supreme Court, on August 4, 2025, rejected Mr. Sethi’s anticipatory bail plea, following the Orissa High Court’s
rejection of the same on July 28, 2025. These judicial decisions have cleared the way for the CBI to proceed with his arrest, and I urge your office to act swiftly to uphold justice.
Mr. Sethi is implicated in a bribery scandal involving the Bridge and Roof Company Limited, where substantial evidence, including a recorded phone conversation and the recovery of Rs 10 lakh in cash, points to his involvement,” Pakal wrote to CBI.
He said ” Additionally, it is alleged that during his tenure as Principal Secretary in various departments under the Odisha Government, Mr. Sethi amassed significant wealth through corrupt practices, including accepting crores in bribes from private contractors in exchange for departmental work. He is also accused of acquiring multiple legal and illegal properties, including plots, residences, and land, in his name and those of his relatives,” .
“Furthermore, in a case filed before the Odisha Lokayukta, Mr. Sethi was found to have illegally withdrawn Rs 3.27 lakh from the State Cooperative Bank for his father’s treatment. Although he returned the amount following the Lokayukta’s order, he was acquitted from prosecution, allegedly due to an unholy nexus with influential figures, including the Lokayukta Chairman, Mr. Ajit Singh. Additionally, during his tenure as Managing Director of OMFED, Mr. Sethi is said to have shown undue favor to Kamala Agency, resulting in financial losses to the tune of crores for the department,” Pakal wrote.
“Given Mr. Sethi’s history as a tainted bureaucrat and his alleged protection through illicit networks within the Odisha Government, I respectfully urge the CBI to arrest him immediately without further delay or undue protection. If he will be given more time, there is probably chances of destroy the evidence and tempted eye witnes and informer. His
continued freedom risks undermining the investigation and public trust in the rule of law. I trust that your esteemed agency will take prompt and decisive action to ensure justice is served. I am available to provide any additional information or evidence that may assist your investigation,” RTI activist added.
