Bhubaneswar, June 6: The Odisha Vigilance Department launched significant operations on Saturday, targeting multiple locations linked to Baikunth Nath Behera, an Assistant Executive Engineer at the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) in Baliguda, Kandhamal district. This action is in response to allegations of disproportionate assets exceeding his known income.
The Vigilance Department obtained search warrants from a special court, leading to the formation of various teams for a coordinated operation. Senior officials are overseeing the entire campaign, which includes two additional Superintendents of Police, five Deputy Superintendents, six inspectors, and other supporting staff.
According to officials, the Vigilance teams are simultaneously conducting searches in several locations, including Bhubaneswar, Baripada, Jajpur district’s Dharmshala, and Baliguda in Kandhamal. The investigation focuses on a thorough examination of properties and residential complexes associated with the engineer.
In Bhubaneswar, four residential buildings linked to him are under scrutiny. These include a four-story house in Niladri Vihar, a three-story building in Shailashree Vihar, and two two-story houses in Kanan Vihar and Chandrasekharpur. Additionally, his ancestral home in the Dharmshala area of Jajpur district is also being investigated.
The Vigilance team has also conducted searches at the residences of two of his relatives, located in Baripada and Pandua. Furthermore, a detailed examination is underway at his office and government residence at the ITDA office in Baliguda.
Officials stated that this operation is part of a preliminary investigation, which has indicated that the officer may have accumulated assets beyond his known sources of income during his service. During the raids, documents, property records, and other crucial materials are being scrutinized.
As of the time of this report, the search operation is still ongoing. Authorities have indicated that detailed information related to the case will be shared once the investigation is complete.
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