Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on corruption, Sri Rama Chandra Nepak, Deputy Ranger of Jeypore Forest Range, Koraput, was arrested by the Odisha Vigilance today for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. He is slated to be forwarded to the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Jeypore, later today.
The arrest follows extensive searches conducted on Shri Nepak’s properties, which unearthed a staggering amount of undeclared wealth. The seized assets include a colossal cash hoard of Rs. 1.43 crores, a multi-storeyed building, three flats, two high-value plots, bank deposits exceeding Rs. 1.33 crore, 1.504 kg of gold, 4.637 kg of silver, and two four-wheelers. The sheer scale of the assets has left many baffled, especially considering Shri Nepak’s relatively modest monthly salary.
Koraput Vigilance Police Station case No. 25/2025 has been registered against Sri Rama Chandra Nepak in this connection.
Shri Nepak, who was functioning as Deputy Ranger cum In-Charge Ranger, Jeypore Forest Range, draws a net salary of Rs. 69,680/- and a gross salary of Rs. 76,880/- per month. The vast disparity between his income and the recovered assets has raised serious questions about the extent of corruption within the department.
Sources indicate that Shri Nepak began his career as a Village Forest Worker on March 9, 1989, in Social Forestry at Koraput Social Forestry Division. Following the merger of Social Forestry with the Territorial Forest Division, he was posted in Jeypore Forest (Territorial) Division, gradually rising through the ranks to his current position.
The Odisha Vigilance Department’s swift action underscores its commitment to curbing corruption in public service. Further investigation into the matter is underway to ascertain the full extent of Shri Nepak’s illicit financial dealings and identify any potential accomplices.