Cuttack: Allegations against a woman IAS officer posted in Odisha’s Home Department for allegedly defrauding a Dibyang of ₹95 lakh on the pretext of providing land in Cuttack have sparked concerns.

According to reports, IAS officer Aradhana Das allegedly took ₹95 lakh from Kamal Kumar Bhausinka, a resident of the CDA area, promising to provide him with a plot in the city. She reportedly showed him a piece of land and assured him of facilitating its allotment.

Bhausinka claimed ₹85 lakh was transferred via RTGS to the officer’s Axis Bank account, while the remaining ₹10 lakh was paid in cash. The online transactions were made on November 22 and November 25, 2022.

However, he alleged neither the land was allotted nor the money returned. Das is currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Home Department.

“The officer was in no mood to refund the money. During a meeting, she told me to do whatever I wanted,” Bhausinka alleged.

He further accused the officer of threatening and physically assaulting him when he sought a resolution. “Later, when I tried to contact her, she either did not answer calls or spoke rudely,” he added.

Case filed 

Based on a complaint lodged by Bhausinka at Markat Nagar Police Station on February 5, a case has been registered and an investigation is underway.

Police sources said multiple notices have been issued to the IAS officer, but she has allegedly not responded so far.

The Cuttack DCP has reportedly informed senior authorities, including officials of the Home Department, the Advocate General, and the Police Commissioner, seeking further action.

Meanwhile, a relative of the complainant has appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to intervene and ensure justice.

The case has raised questions about possible pressure on the police due to the officer’s senior position. Locals have also expressed concern over delays in action in a case involving serious allegations such as fraud, misuse of official position, assault, and criminal intimidation.