Vigilance Raid on Irrigation SDO in Ganjam Over Disproportionate Assets

In a major anti-corruption crackdown, the Odisha Vigilance Department conducted simultaneous raids on properties linked to Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Panchu Behera, posted in the Dahi Irrigation Sub-Division under Bhanjanagar Irrigation Division in Ganjam district. The action was initiated following allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Simultaneous Raids at Multiple Locations

Vigilance teams carried out searches at five locations early this morning, including Behera’s residential houses and official office premises. The coordinated operation involved three DSP-rank officers and seven inspectors.

Cash and Valuable Assets Seized

According to Vigilance sources, cash worth ₹18.90 lakh has been seized so far. This includes:

• ₹15.13 lakh from his residence in Berhampur
• ₹3.72 lakh from his government quarters in Bhanjanagar

In addition to cash, officials recovered:

• A construction mixer machine valued at approximately ₹57 lakh
• A JCB machine worth around ₹37 lakh

Immovable Properties Under Scanner

The raid also led to the detection of several high-value immovable assets, including:

• A multi-storey building in Berhampur
• Five valuable land plots in and around the city
• A three-storey residential building spread over 3,550 sq. ft. in Basant Vihar

A technical team is currently assessing the total value of these properties.

Vehicles, Bank Deposits, and Gold

Investigators have also identified:

• One four-wheeler and three two-wheelers registered in Behera’s name
• Deposits in multiple banks and post offices
• Gold ornaments and jewellery, the valuation of which is still underway

Vigilance Intensifies Anti-Corruption Drive

The crackdown comes amid an intensified anti-corruption campaign by the Odisha Vigilance Department.

As per official data:

• 683 corruption cases were registered between January 2023 and December 2025
• 337 cases resulted in convictions
• Properties of 6 corrupt officials have been confiscated by the government

These confiscated assets are being repurposed for public welfare, including:

• A government horticulture nursery
• A public homeopathic dispensary
• Three Anganwadi centres
• A working women’s hostel
• A sub-post office

Recovery of Crores from Officials

In total, assets worth ₹40.84 crore have been seized from 22 government officials and employees. Additionally, ₹32.50 lakh in cash has been deposited into the state treasury.

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi had earlier informed the State Assembly about these figures, underlining the government’s firm stance against corruption.

Investigation Continues

The Vigilance Department has stated that further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of disproportionate assets linked to the SDO. More disclosures are expected as valuation and verification processes continue.