Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Saturday unearthed multiple high-value assets during simultaneous searches conducted in connection with a disproportionate assets (DA) case against Baikuntha Nath Behera, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Baliguda in Kandhamal district.

The searches were launched on June 6 following allegations that Behera had amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Acting on search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar, teams led by two Additional Superintendents of Police, five Deputy Superintendents of Police, six Inspectors, and supporting staff conducted raids at nine locations across Bhubaneswar, Baliguda, Baripada, and Dharmasala in Jajpur district.

The searches have so far revealed five buildings owned by Behera and his family members. These include a four-storeyed building measuring around 10,500 square feet at Niladri Vihar in Bhubaneswar, a three-storeyed building at Sailashree Vihar, two double-storeyed buildings in Kanan Vihar and Chandrasekharpur areas of the capital city, and another double-storeyed building built on ancestral land at Pandua in Jajpur district.

13 high-value plots found across Bhubaneswar, Jajpur and Baripada

Investigators have also identified 13 high-value plots linked to Behera and his family. Seven of these plots are located in prime areas of Bhubaneswar, while five are situated in Dharmasala of Jajpur district and one in Baripada.

Among the properties identified are land parcels at Niladri Vihar, Sailashree Vihar, Gobindaprasad, Ghatikia, Jatani, and several locations in Dharmasala. Officials said the exact valuation of the buildings and plots is being carried out by the Vigilance Technical Wing.

During the raids, Vigilance officials recovered cash amounting to Rs 2.66 lakh. Gold jewellery was also found, and its weight and value are currently being assessed.

Authorities are further examining bank deposits, postal savings, and other financial investments linked to the engineer and his family members. Two bank lockers, one at Axis Bank and another at Union Bank of India, both in Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, and operated in the name of Behera's spouse, are yet to be opened and examined.

The searches covered Behera's residential and official premises, including his office chamber at ITDA Baliguda, official residence, several residential properties in Bhubaneswar and Jajpur, and houses belonging to relatives in Baripada and Dharmasala.

Vigilance officials stated that the investigation is still underway and further details regarding the total value of the assets and financial holdings are expected after the completion of searches and assessment of the seized materials.

The anti-corruption agency said a comprehensive report will be prepared after the searches conclude and all assets are verified.