Odisha Vigilance on Friday carried out simultaneous searches at nine locations linked to Baikuntha Nath Behera, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of ITDA, Baliguda in Kandhamal district, on allegations of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The searches were conducted on the strength of warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar. A team comprising two Additional SPs, five DSPs, six Inspectors and other supporting staff conducted raids at properties located in Bhubaneswar, Baripada, Dharmasala in Jajpur district and Baliguda.

Five Buildings and High-Value Plots Detected

During the ongoing searches, Vigilance officials unearthed five multi-storeyed buildings, including four palatial houses in Bhubaneswar and another double-storeyed building at Dharmasala in Jajpur district.

The team also identified 13 high-value plots, including seven plots in prime locations of Bhubaneswar, five in Dharmasala and one in Baripada. The measurement and valuation of these properties are currently being carried out by the Vigilance Technical Wing.

Cash, Jewellery and Lockers Under Scrutiny

Officials recovered cash amounting to Rs 2.66 lakh from the properties searched so far. Large quantities of gold jewellery, silver ornaments and diamond items have also been detected, with their valuation underway.

In addition, Vigilance officials are verifying bank deposits, postal savings and other financial investments. Two lockers operated in the name of Behera’s spouse at Axis Bank and UBI, Chandrasekharpur branch, Bhubaneswar, are yet to be opened.

Career Under Scanner

Behera joined government service as a Junior Engineer in August 1999 with an initial salary of Rs 6,000 per month. After serving in various postings across Nabarangpur, Udala and Kusumguda, he was promoted as Assistant Executive Engineer in February 2026 and posted at ITDA, Baliguda. Vigilance officials said the investigation is continuing and further details are awaited.

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