A senior IAS officer in Odisha has come under serious allegations of cheating and criminal intimidation in a ₹95 lakh land deal case, with police now seeking government approval to initiate action.
Aradhana Das, currently serving as Additional Secretary in the state Home Department, has been accused of taking ₹95 lakh from a family on the promise of providing land in the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) area but allegedly failing to deliver.
The complaint was filed by Kamal Kumar Bhawsinka, a differently-abled man, who alleged that the money was paid by his wife, Beena Bhawsinka, through bank transfers and cash.
According to the FIR, the amount included ₹85 lakh transferred via RTGS and ₹10 lakh paid in cash as part of an agreement signed in November 2022 for a residential plot.
“She threatened to cripple me,” says complainant
In his complaint, Kamal Kumar Bhawsinka alleged that despite receiving the full payment, the officer did not transfer the land or complete the required legal formalities.
“Though my wife paid the entire agreed amount, she did not execute the documents. When I followed up, she avoided communication,” he said.
He further alleged that when he tried to meet her, she issued threats. “She warned she would break my hands, make me paralysed, and implicate me in a case if I asked for the money back,” the complaint stated.
Police confirm transaction, seek sanction
Police investigation has reportedly confirmed the financial transaction. Officials said bank records and agreement documents substantiate that ₹95 lakh was transferred to the officer in connection with the land deal.
A case has been registered at CDA Phase-II police station under sections related to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and intimidation.
However, since the accused is a serving IAS officer, the Odisha Police has written to the state Home Department and General Administration Department seeking mandatory sanction to proceed with legal action.
Non-cooperation alleged during probe
Investigators also claimed that the officer did not cooperate with the probe and allegedly refused to accept official notices sent by police.
A senior officer noted that administrative clearance is required before any formal action can be taken against a high-ranking government official.
IAS officer denies allegations
Responding to the charges, Aradhana Das denied any wrongdoing.
“The allegations are false. She may have made an agreement with my husband, who is no more. How am I responsible?” she said, distancing herself from the transaction.
