Odisha Vigilance apprehended an Assistant Engineer from the Water Resources Department in Ganjam district for allegedly accumulating wealth exceeding his known income by 334%. The accused, identified as Panchu Behera, currently serves as an SDO at the DAHA Irrigation Sub-Division, SE, Bhanjanagar Irrigation Division in Ganjam district. Behera was presented before the Special Judge, Vigilance, Berhampur, who ordered his detention in judicial custody.
Vigilance officials discovered substantial assets, including Rs 18.90 lakh in cash, during raids at various locations associated with Behera after receiving reports of unexplained wealth accumulation. The searches were conducted at five sites within the district, encompassing his official residence and office in Bhanjanagar, a relative’s residence in Berhampur, and his ancestral home in Polasara. A team from Odisha Vigilance, comprising three Deputy Superintendents of Police, seven Inspectors, and additional personnel, executed the operation based on search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Berhampur.
The search operation revealed that Behera and his family possessed a multi-storeyed building, five plots of land in different parts of Berhampur city, and cash amounting to Rs 18,90,800. Furthermore, gold ornaments weighing 568 grams, including 178 grams of gold coins, along with deposits in various financial accounts totaling approximately Rs 90 lakh, were seized. Additionally, authorities identified assets such as an Ajax Argo 4300 concrete mixer machine bought in 2024 for Rs 57 lakh, a Hyundai excavator acquired in 2025 for Rs 37 lakh, a four-wheeler, three two-wheelers, and household items valued at around Rs 8.57 lakh.
