Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has reserved its verdict on the anticipatory bail application filed by senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi, who is under investigation in connection with a high-profile bribery case involving the Bridge and Roof Company Ltd. The court also ruled that the interim protection from arrest granted to Sethi earlier will continue until the final order is pronounced.
The case originates from an incident on December 8, 2024, when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended Chanchal Mukherjee, Director of Bridge and Roof Company Ltd., red-handed while allegedly accepting a ₹10 lakh bribe from a contractor near a prominent hotel in Bhubaneswar. Along with Mukherjee, the CBI arrested contractor Santosh Maharana and alleged middleman Debadatta Mahapatra, triggering a wider probe into corruption and influence peddling.
During the course of the investigation, the name of Bishnupada Sethi surfaced, leading the CBI to conduct a raid on his official quarters in February 2025. Sethi publicly denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was being framed in a politically motivated conspiracy.
Sethi approached the Orissa High Court earlier this month seeking interim protection from coercive action in the ongoing CBI probe. The court granted temporary relief and also directed that security arrangements be made for Sethi, citing concerns over his safety.
As the matter awaits judicial resolution, all eyes are on the High Court’s final decision, which is expected to carry significant legal and political ramifications.
