On Monday, Vigilance officials carried out extensive raids on properties linked to Basanta Kumar Dash, the Deputy Director of Fisheries (Brackish Water) in Cuttack, Odisha. These raids were conducted following allegations of misappropriating government funds amounting to Rs 1.05 crore.
Allegations and Initial Findings
Dash, a senior fishery official, is accused of transferring substantial amounts of money from a government account to his personal account during the financial year 2024-25. According to the Vigilance release, Dash, in his capacity as the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), moved Rs 1.05 crore from the government account to his personal account at the State Bank of India (SBI) in Puri. The funds were subsequently withdrawn and misappropriated.
Scope of the Raids
The Vigilance sleuths executed simultaneous searches across multiple locations to uncover documents and evidence related to the alleged financial misconduct. The key locations raided included:
Dash’s rented residence at Plot No. 1426/4085, Sasana Padia, Keutasahi, Old Town, Mahatab Road, Bhubaneswar.
Another house situated in Tota Mahavir Lane, Ward No. 30, Puri district.
A farmhouse located in Pilipila, near Goruala, Puri district.
Dash’s native village at Govindpur, Naikandini, Bhadrak district.
His office at the Directorate of Fisheries in Cuttack district.
Teams Involved in the Raids
Five dedicated teams, comprising five Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), four Inspectors, nine Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and other supporting staff, conducted these thorough searches. The primary objective was to gather documents and evidence related to the misappropriated government funds and to trace any investments or assets acquired through these illicit means.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation revealed that Dash had systematically transferred the money to his personal account and had been using it for personal gains. The Vigilance department’s extensive search aimed to unearth all possible evidence to build a strong case against him. The officials meticulously checked all documents, bank statements, property papers, and other relevant materials during the raids.
Legal Proceedings and Case Registration
Following the raids, Odisha Vigilance registered a case against Basanta Kumar Dash under Vigilance Cell PS Case No. 5/20.07.2024. The charges are framed under sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Amendment Act, 2018, and sections 409 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These sections pertain to criminal breach of trust and cheating, respectively, which are serious offenses under Indian law.
Impact and Further Actions
The ongoing investigation is expected to reveal more details about the extent of Dash’s financial misconduct. The Vigilance department is committed to thoroughly investigating the case and ensuring that all those involved in the misappropriation of government funds are brought to justice. The case has also raised concerns about the oversight and management of government funds in various departments, prompting calls for stricter monitoring and transparency measures.
The raids on Basanta Kumar Dash’s properties mark a significant step in addressing corruption and financial mismanagement within government departments. The Vigilance department’s swift action underscores its commitment to rooting out corruption and holding officials accountable for their actions. As the investigation progresses, more details are likely to emerge, shedding light on the full scope of the misappropriation and the measures needed to prevent such incidents in the future.
(With inputs from agencies)
