In a key development in the ongoing CBI bribery investigation, the Orissa High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi. The ruling, delivered on Monday by Justice V. Narasingh, marks a significant setback for the officer, who is under scrutiny for alleged involvement in a bribery case linked to Bridge and Roof Company Ltd.
Background of the Case
The case originated on December 8, 2024, when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Chanchal Mukherjee, Director of Bridge and Roof Company Ltd., allegedly while accepting a bribe of ₹10 lakh from a contractor near a prominent hotel in Bhubaneswar. Along with Mukherjee, the CBI also detained contractor Santosh Maharana and alleged middleman Debadatta Mahapatra, triggering a broader probe into corruption and influence-peddling within the company and among government officials.
Sethi’s Alleged Involvement
Following the arrests, the CBI investigation widened, and Bishnupada Sethi’s name surfaced. The agency subsequently conducted a raid at his official residence in February 2025. Sethi has firmly denied any wrongdoing, claiming the case is politically motivated and that he is being falsely implicated.
Legal Proceedings
As the investigation progressed, the CBI summoned Sethi multiple times for questioning over his alleged connections to the accused. In response, he filed for anticipatory bail earlier this month, seeking protection from arrest.
While the High Court had initially granted him interim protection and directed authorities to ensure adequate security arrangements in view of reported safety threats, it ultimately dismissed the anticipatory bail plea, allowing the investigation to continue without legal immunity.
This decision underscores the seriousness with which the court is treating the corruption allegations and clears the way for the CBI to take further action as the probe unfolds.
