Odisha Vigilance Seizes Over ₹14 Lakh From Two Auditors in Baripada

Baripada, Sept 10: Odisha Vigilance officials intercepted two auditors of the ST & SC Department in Baripada, recovering over ₹14.38 lakh in cash.

The auditors, identified as Prasanta Kumar Pradhan and Pragyan Prakash Patra, had been stationed in Baripada since August 30 to audit welfare offices, Ashram schools, Sevashrams, high schools, higher secondary schools, and SSD hostels.

Acting on complaints that the auditors were demanding ₹10 per enrolled student to ensure smooth audits, Vigilance teams recovered ₹5.51 lakh from their vehicle and ₹8.86 lakh from their hotel rooms.

Both auditors are currently being interrogated, while searches continue at their linked premises to trace disproportionate assets.

Odisha Vigilance has confirmed that a detailed report will follow as investigations progress.