Senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi faced a major legal defeat as the Orissa High Court denied his anticipatory bail request in a bribery investigation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The court, under the leadership of Justice V. Narasingh, also revoked the interim protection that had been granted to Sethi on July 3, raising concerns about his potential arrest. The CBI initiated a case against Sethi, accusing him of being involved in a ₹10 lakh bribery scheme associated with the approval of a bill for Bridge and Roof Corporation Limited.

In response to the allegations, the CBI executed searches at Sethi’s home, confiscating various documents and freezing the bank accounts of both him and his wife. Sethi then approached the Orissa High Court, aiming to dismiss the case and obtain anticipatory bail, arguing that he and his family were being unjustly targeted.

On July 3, the court had provided Sethi with interim protection while considering his request. However, after a comprehensive examination of the case, which included the CBI’s presentation of a case diary and an investigation status report, the court reserved its decision on July 18.

On Monday, July 28, Justice Narasingh announced the ruling, rejecting Sethi’s bail application and retracting the interim relief. The CBI, represented by Special Public Prosecutor Sarthak Nayak, contended that the evidence indicated Sethi’s participation in the bribery case.

In the meantime, Sethi’s legal representatives, led by senior advocate Debashish Panda, asserted his innocence, claiming that the allegations were unfounded.

Despite their attempts, the court’s decision has increased the likelihood of Sethi’s arrest, representing a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation.

This case has garnered considerable attention in Odisha, due to Sethi’s status as a senior bureaucrat. The CBI’s investigation into the bribery claims is anticipated to persist, with additional developments expected to emerge.