Cuttack: Odisha Vigilance sleuths on Thursday intercepted Dr Sanatana Behera, an associate professor in the Department of Hepatology at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, while he was allegedly carrying suspected bribe money.
According to official sources, a Vigilance team stopped him near Kathagolasahi-Medic
al Road in Cuttack while he was returning to his residence on a scooter, following credible information that the doctor was collecting illegal cash from bidders for supplying medical instruments to the department. The subsequent search led to the recovery of Rs 2.63 lakh in cash from his possession. When questioned, Dr Behera could not provide a satisfactory explanation for the source of the money, leading to its seizure, the sources added.
Simultaneous raids are currently underway at three places linked to the doctor as part of a disproportionate assets (DA) investigation. A case has been registered against him at Cuttack Vigilance police station under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018. Further details are awaited.