Acting on credible input, on 10.09.2026 late night, two auditors of ST/SC Deptt.in of Govt. of Odisha while on their way from DWO office, Baripada to their place of stay at Mohapatra Hotel at Roxy lane, Baripada by the Office Scorpio of DWO after completing audit works were intercepted by Odisha Vigilance. During interception, *cash of Rs.5, 51,510/- ( Suspected ill-gotten cash) in 52 envelopes and 20 loose bundles was found from their possession, which they could not explain satisfactorily. Following this, search was conducted at their hotel rooms. During search, further, cash Rs. 8, 86,830/- was unearthed and seized*. As they couldn’t account for this huge cash, *the total cash of Rs.14,38,340/- has been seized*.
They are being interrogated to ascertain the source of funds.
Following interception, searches have been launched connected to their locations from DA angle.
The Auditor duo was at Baripada since 30th August 2026 for conduct of Audit of DWO Office, Baripada. Following this, they had taken up audit of Ashram, Sevashram, High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools, and SSD Hostels under the SC/ST Dept. They had directed Headmasters and incharges to report at Baripada along with school/hostel files and registers. Allegations had been received by Vigilance authorities that demand was made by the auditors from School/Hostel authorities for payment of Rs 10/- per enrolled student as bribe to ensure smooth audit of their schools. After confirming to the allegation, they were intercepted.
Searches continuing. Further report follows.
