Odisha Vigilance apprehended an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) from the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) in Baliguda, Kandhamal district, for allegedly accumulating significant disproportionate assets. The accused official, Baikuntha Nath Behera, was discovered to have amassed assets totaling 798% of his known income sources.
Following allegations of possessing assets disproportionate to his income, vigilance officials conducted simultaneous searches at nine locations linked to Behera, including his relatives’ residences and office spaces in Bhubaneswar, Baripada, Dharmasala, and Baliguda. Multiple teams, comprising Additional SPs, Deputy SPs, Inspectors, and support staff, conducted the searches based on Search Warrants issued by the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.
During the searches, authorities uncovered movable and immovable assets worth millions of rupees belonging to Behera and his family across various locations in Odisha, including the capital city. Notably, a substantial cash amount exceeding Rs 2.04 crore was found in two bank lockers owned by Behera’s wife, marking one of the largest cash seizures in recent times.
Apart from cash, the accused and his family were found in possession of six lavish multi-storey buildings, five of which are situated in upscale areas of Bhubaneswar, along with 14 high-value plots in prime locations. Additionally, the assets included deposits totaling Rs 45 lakh, approximately 552 grams of gold jewelry, a four-wheeler, and household items valued at around Rs 44.35 lakh.
A senior vigilance official stated that after a comprehensive investigation and inventory check, Behera was found to possess assets 798% higher than his known income sources. Consequently, a case has been filed against AEE Behera and his spouse at the Vigilance Cell Police Station under sections 13(2), 13(1)(b), and 12 of the PC Amendment Act, 2018.
