Odisha Vigilance Seizes ₹4.27 Crore Cash Following Arrest of Cuttack Deputy Director of Mines

BHUBANESWAR, February 25, 2026 — In one of the most significant crackdowns on corruption in recent months, the Odisha Vigilance department recovered a staggering ₹4,27,13,600 in unaccounted cash during a raid on the Bhubaneswar residence of Debabrata Mohanty, the Deputy Director of Mines for the Cuttack Circle.

The massive cash haul was discovered during a house search conducted late last night following Mohanty’s apprehension for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹30,000 from a licensed coal trader.

According to officials, the bribe was demanded to ensure the smooth operation of the trader’s business without administrative hurdles.The recovery of over ₹4.27 crore from a single flat has sent shockwaves through the state administration, highlighting the scale of alleged financial irregularities within the mining department.

Mohanty was caught red-handed by Vigilance sleuths while accepting the illegal gratification, which subsequently led to the synchronized searches of his properties.

The department is currently investigating the source of the recovered cash and looking into other assets owned by the officer to determine the full extent of disproportionate assets.

Further legal proceedings and an intensive interrogation of the accused are underway as part of the state’s ongoing zero-tolerance policy against corruption.