Paradip Port PHO Official Arrested on Bribery Charges; CBI Eyes Extended Remand to Investigate Dollar Link

Paradip: A Port Health Organisation (PHO) official at Paradip Port, Rajendra Narayan Panigrahi, was arrested on graft charges on October 12 by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He was presented before the CBI court on Monday after his remand ended.

Panigrahi was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 54,000 from crew members of the Eminence Shipping Agency. The CBI subsequently conducted raids on several locations associated with him, where they discovered substantial movable and immovable assets in Paradip, Balasore, Cuttack, and Hyderabad. Cash totalling Rs 17 lakh, over Rs 17 lakh in US Dollars, imported liquor, cigarettes, hard drives, and expensive gifts were seized from his official residence, leading to his arrest.

Dr. Panigrahi was granted a five-day remand by the CBI for questioning, which concluded on Monday, prompting his appearance in the CBI court. It is anticipated that the CBI will request an extension of his remand to investigate potential ties to US Dollars.

Shipping agents and employees celebrated the arrest of the disgraced doctor with a feast on Sunday, indicating their relief at no longer having to deal with him.