Baragada: The Odisha Vigilance has arrested Kartikeswar Behera, Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Katabhal Gram Panchayat and in-charge PEO of Gourenmunda GP under Gaisilet block in Baragada district, in a disproportionate assets (DA) case.

According to the Vigilance, searches of properties linked to Behera led to the detection of two multi-storeyed buildings with a combined area of around 14,500 square feet, a market complex, a godown, 35 plots, cash amounting to Rs 2.98 lakh and a tractor, among other assets.

The investigating agency said Behera could not satisfactorily explain the possession of the assets during the course of the searches.

In connection with the case, Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station Case No. 17/2026 has been registered against Behera under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018.

Further investigation is underway.