The Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Commissionerate of Police has formally requested the Odisha government’s approval to proceed with legal action against Aradhana Das, a serving IAS officer and Additional Secretary in the state Home Department. The request follows an investigation into an alleged land deal scam involving a sum of ₹95 lakh.
The Allegations
The case centers on a 2022 agreement for a 2,400-square-foot residential plot in the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) area.
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The Victim: Beena Bhawsinka, a woman with a disability.
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The Deal: According to the FIR filed by her husband, Kamal Kumar Bhawsinka, Das agreed to transfer the leasehold rights of the plot for ₹95 lakh.
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Payment Evidence: Police reports indicate that the entire amount was paid—₹85 lakh via RTGS transfers and ₹10 lakh in cash.
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The Breach: Despite receiving the funds, Das allegedly failed to execute the transfer documents and refused to communicate with the buyers.
Threats and Intimidation
The complainant alleged that when he attempted to resolve the matter in person, the officer used her position to intimidate him.
“She threatened me saying she would break my hands… and implicate me in a case if I pressed for return of the money,” Kamal Bhawsinka stated in the FIR.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, led by Inspector Anuradha Martha, has uncovered several critical points:
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Bank Records: Financial trails confirm the transfer of ₹95 lakh into the bank account of the IAS officer.
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Lack of Cooperation: The report notes that Das has consistently avoided the probe, refusing to accept police notices sent by post.
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Legal Charges: A case was registered in February 2024 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating, criminal intimidation, and criminal breach of trust.
Officer’s Defense
Aradhana Das has denied all allegations, labeling them as “false.” She suggested that the agreement might have been made with her late husband and questioned her own liability in the matter. She also claimed to have received no official police notice regarding the ongoing investigation.
Next Steps
Under the law, the police require mandatory sanction from the state government to prosecute a serving civil servant. The request was forwarded to the General Administration and Home departments on April 6. The government’s decision will determine whether the Commissionerate can proceed with a chargesheet or further custodial interrogation.
