CBI arrests three in Bhubaneswar over tender fixing

Bhubaneswar, Dec 8: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested three individuals in Bhubaneswar on Sunday in connection with alleged financial irregularities and tender manipulation. The arrests follow the seizure of a significant amount of cash from a luxury vehicle in the city on Saturday evening.

The individuals taken into custody include Chanchal Mukherjee, head of Kolkata-based Bridge and Roof Company (India) Limited, a central public sector enterprise (CPSE) involved in various government projects, Santosh Moharana, and Debadutta Mohapatra, owner of Aditya Dev Infratech Private Limited.

CBI officials have conducted raids at eight locations across Odisha, including the CPSE’s offices in Bhubaneswar and Chhatrapur, as well as Mohapatra’s residence in Phulnakhara.

Reports indicate that a white vehicle, allegedly used by a government official, was intercepted during a raid at a luxury hotel in Bhubaneswar where a multi-crore deal was reportedly being finalized. The official had reportedly switched cars multiple times before arriving at the hotel. Upon searching the vehicle, investigators discovered ₹1 crore in cash and a substantial quantity of gold ornaments stored in a bag. The occupants of the car, including Mohapatra, were taken to the CBI office for interrogation.

The case, filed with the Delhi branch of the CBI, pertains to suspected tender manipulation involving Bridge and Roof Company Limited, with financial irregularities running into crores of rupees. Raids linked to the investigation are also being conducted in Delhi, Kolkata, and other parts of Odisha.