Cash recovery triggers action
Bhubaneswar: A senior doctor of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, was detained by the Odisha Vigilance team on Thursday after officials recovered Rs 2.63 lakh in unaccounted cash from his possession during an operation.
Alleged link to procurement bribery
According to vigilance officials, the doctor was allegedly involved in collecting bribes from bidders competing to supply medical instruments to the hepatology department. The money is suspected to be illegal gratification received in connection with the procurement process.
Interception during travel
The operation was launched following specific inputs about irregularities in departmental purchases. Acting on the information, vigilance officials intercepted the doctor while he was travelling on a two-wheeler near Kathagolasahi Medical Road and seized the cash.
Surveillance based on complaints
Officials said the doctor had been under surveillance for several weeks after complaints were received regarding his alleged role in influencing supplier selection for medical equipment in the department.
Diversion of equipment alleged
Investigators further alleged that the senior doctor, who completed his MBBS in 1994, had been pressuring suppliers to divert medical instruments to a private clinic linked to him, raising concerns over conflict of interest and violation of professional ethics.
Official statement on detention
A senior vigilance official said the team had credible intelligence about the illegal transaction and acted accordingly. The doctor, he added, failed to give a satisfactory explanation for the source of the recovered cash.
Searches at multiple locations
Following the detention, vigilance teams conducted searches at three locations linked to the doctor to assess his assets and examine whether he holds wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Case registered under corruption law
Officials said the doctor’s professional conduct and departmental decisions will now be scrutinised. A case has been registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018, and further investigation is underway.
