Baripada: Odisha Vigilance officials intercepted two auditors of the ST & SC Development Department late on Thursday night and seized suspected ill-gotten cash amounting to Rs 14.38 lakh from their possession.

Acting on credible information, Vigilance officials intercepted the two auditors while they were travelling from the District Welfare Officer (DWO) office in Baripada to their place of stay at Mohapatra Hotel on Roxy Lane in an official Scorpio vehicle.

During the interception, Vigilance officials found Rs 5,51,510 in cash kept in 52 envelopes and 20 loose bundles. The auditors failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source of the money.

Vigilance officials subsequently searched their hotel rooms and recovered an additional Rs 8,86,830. As the auditors could not satisfactorily account for the cash, the total amount of Rs 14,38,340 was seized.

The two officials are being questioned to ascertain the source of the money. Searches are also underway at locations linked to them as part of a disproportionate assets investigation.

The auditors had been staying in Baripada since August 30 to conduct an audit of the DWO office. They later started auditing Ashrams, Sevashrams, high schools, higher secondary schools and SSD hostels under the ST & SC Development Department.

According to Vigilance authorities, allegations had been received that the auditors were demanding a bribe of Rs 10 from school and hostel authorities for each enrolled student in exchange for ensuring a smooth audit. The allegations were subsequently verified, following which the Vigilance team intercepted the two auditors.

Searches in connection with the case are continuing. Further details are expected to emerge after the ongoing investigation.