Odisha Vigilance Unearths Multi-Storeyed Buildings, Tent House and Gold in DA Search Against Ex-SRA

Odisha Vigilance has unearthed multiple properties and valuables during ongoing searches linked to Bhanja Kishore Behera, former Special Revenue Assistant (SRA) of Tirtol Block, who was arrested in connection with the alleged misappropriation of government funds amounting to over ₹3 crore.

Behera was arrested by Odisha Vigilance on August 12, 2026, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of ₹3,02,95,000 from government funds. Following his arrest, Vigilance launched searches at six locations associated with him in connection with allegations of possession of disproportionate assets.

During the searches, investigators reportedly unearthed a triple-storeyed palatial building measuring approximately 7,750 sq ft at Patenigaon under Raghunathpur police station in Jagatsinghpur district.

A double-storeyed building at Patenigaon was also identified during the searches. In addition, Vigilance officials found a tent house spread over approximately 8,400 sq ft at Patenigaon.

According to Odisha Vigilance, assets and articles worth around ₹30.44 lakh, purchased by Behera in 2019 for running the tent house, were also identified. The measurement and valuation of the buildings and tent house are currently being conducted by the Vigilance Technical Wing.

The searches also led to the recovery of approximately 210 grams of gold jewellery and a Mahindra pickup van. Bank and postal deposits, along with other investments linked to Behera and his family members, are still being ascertained.

Alleged ₹3 Crore Government Fund Misappropriation

According to the Vigilance investigation, the alleged financial irregularities took place at the Tirtol Block office over several financial years between 2011-12 and 2021-22.

Investigators have alleged that Behera was involved in a systematic financial fraud and allegedly misappropriated government funds by fabricating and tampering with government salary registers and disbursement documents.

During interrogation, Vigilance said Behera admitted to acquiring assets, including a palatial building, a tent house and other valuables using allegedly misappropriated funds estimated at around ₹2 crore.

The latest searches are focused on determining whether the assets acquired by Behera and his family members are disproportionate to their known sources of income.

The searches are still underway, and Odisha Vigilance said further details will be disclosed as the investigation progresses.