Rohan Umak
Odisha IAS officer news: A senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer posted in Odisha has come under scrutiny after she allegedly duped a man of Rs 95 lakh on the pretext of providing land to him, reneging on the promise later, and issuing death threats to him later. The police said they have registered an FIR in connection with the incident and are probing the case.
The officer under police scanner is named Aradhana Das, who currently serves as the Additional Secretary in the State Home Department.
Victim named Kamal Kumar Bhawsinka
According to sources, Das has been accused of taking money from one Kamal Kumar Bhawsinka. She allegedly promised to arrange land for him in the CDA area of Cuttack, but failed to deliver on the commitment. Police records indicate that Bhawsinka’s wife made the payments to Das in two installments. The investigating police personnel revealed that Rs 85 lakh were transferred to Das via bank transactions, while she received Rs 10 lakh in cash. Inspector Anuradha Martha submitted a report in the case, which established that the funds were taken in connection with a land deal that never materialised.
Odisha IAS officer news: FIR registered against Das, no arrests yet
Police sources said that Das was booked on February 5, 2026, at the CDA Phase-II police stations under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to cheating, breach of trust and criminal intimidation.
The report was later forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), who then escalated the case to senior officials, including the State Home Department and the General Administration Department, seeking sanction to initiate legal proceedings against Das, as mandated under service rules.
Cops allege Das did not cooperate with investigation
Additionally, Das has been accused of hurling abuses at Bhawsinka, as well as issuing death threats to him. The investigating police personnel noted that she did not cooperate with the investigation, and claimed she refused to accept official notices. The aforementioned actions, if proven, may also constitute violations under the All India Services Rules, 1968, particularly those concerning integrity and conduct.
Sources further said that after official communication from the Police Commissioner, pressure has intensified on authorities to take decisive action. Authorities confirmed that a probe into the case is underway, and documentary evidence will form a crucial part of the same. They added that further action will depend on the sanction granted by the competent departments.
Shubh Laabh