Cuttack, Odisha: Odisha Vigilance officials intercepted Dr. Sanatana Behera, an associate professor at SCB Medical College and Hospital, after recovering ₹2.63 lakh in suspected ill-gotten cash from his possession during a vigilance operation.

Officials stopped Dr. Behera while he was carrying the cash and asked him to explain the source of the money. According to vigilance sources, he could not give a satisfactory explanation. This raised suspicion that the amount may be linked to illegal financial dealings. Authorities immediately seized the cash and began a formal investigation.

The seized cash is suspected to be bribe money allegedly collected from bidders vying to supply medical instruments to the Hepatology Department, according to vigilance sources.

Following the interception:

• The vigilance department registered a case (Cuttack Vigilance PS Case No. 4/2026) against Dr. Behera under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018.

• Simultaneous searches were launched at three locations linked to him to investigate possible disproportionate assets and other irregularities.

• Dr. Behera is currently being examined and interrogated as authorities seek to determine the source and intent of the seized funds

Officials suspect the money may have been collected through improper means connected to official work, though the investigation remains ongoing. Following the interception, the vigilance team began examining his financial records and activities to determine whether the cash is linked to corruption or misuse of position.

Sources said searches and inquiries are being conducted as part of a broader probe into possible irregularities.

Dr. Behera has come under the scanner as investigators attempt to establish the full trail of the seized money. Vigilance authorities have not ruled out further legal action depending on the outcome of the investigation.

The Odisha Vigilance Department continues to question the associate professor and gather evidence. Officials stated that more details will emerge once the probe progresses.

The incident has drawn attention within medical and administrative circles in Cuttack, as SCB Medical College and Hospital is one of Odisha’s premier government medical institutions.

Vigilance officials confirmed that the interception followed prior intelligence inputs about suspected financial irregularities linked to the associate professor.

The seized cash has been taken into official custody and will be examined as part of the ongoing corruption probe.

(Rh/ARC)