Cuttack: The State Vigilance has launched a major crackdown on a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) and his family, unearthing a staggering portfolio of assets believed to be disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Simultaneous raids are underway at six locations across Baripada, Boudh, and Bhubaneswar linked to Golap Chandra Hansdah, a government official with a monthly salary of Rs 1.08 lakhs.
Acting on a tip-off, multiple teams led by several Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and inspectors are conducting the coordinated searches on the strength of warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Baripada.
So far, the raids have revealed:
- Real Estate: A double-storeyed building spanning approximately 3300 sqft in Prafulla Nagar, Baripada, and a remarkable 36 high-value plots, including 35 in and around Baripada town and one in Sribantpur, Balasore. The valuation of these properties is being assessed by the Vigilance Technical Wing.
- Cash and Investments: The anti-corruption agency has seized Rs. 2,38,725 in cash and has found evidence of bank and postal deposits amounting to Rs. 56 lakhs. Further scrutiny of other deposits and investments is in progress.
- Valuables: The raids have also yielded gold jewelry weighing approximately 250 grams and silver ornaments weighing 400 grams.
- Expenditure: Vigilance officials have noted that a significant amount of Rs. 40 lakhs was spent on his daughter’s medical education.
- Vehicles: One Hyundai Creta four-wheeler and three two-wheelers have also been found.
The raids are being conducted at Shri Hansdah’s residential house in Baripada, his rented accommodation in Boudh, his office chamber at the Boudh RTO, his paternal house in Gudidiha village, his daughter’s rented flat in Bhubaneswar, and a close associate’s residence in Baripada.
Shri Hansdah, who joined government service as an I.P.O. in 1991, was promoted to MVI in 2020. The ongoing investigation is part of a larger push by the Odisha government to combat corruption.
The case of Sri Hansdah, with assets like multiple high-value plots, gold, and significant educational expenses for his daughter, shows a clear pattern of living beyond one’s means.
The fact that such a lifestyle went unchecked for so long highlights the need for a stronger, more proactive, and transparent system that not only catches corrupt officials but also prevents them from accumulating such wealth in the first place.
It underscores the public’s demand for reforms that close these loopholes and restore faith in the integrity of government service.
The Vigilance Directorate has indicated that further details will be released once the searches are completed and a full assessment of the assets is finalized.