Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on corruption, the Odisha Vigilance Directorate today conducted simultaneous house searches at seven locations linked to Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer, Plan Roads, RW Division, Odisha, Bhubaneswar, on allegations of possessing disproportionate assets (DA) far exceeding his known sources of income.
The raids, launched on the strength of search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Angul, have so far unearthed approximately ₹2.1 Crore in cash.
The extensive operation, led by 8 DSsP, 12 Inspectors, 6 ASIs, and other supporting staff, targeted Sarangi’s properties across Angul, Bhubaneswar, and Pipili (Puri). The search locations included:
- A double-storeyed residential house at Karadagadia, Angul.
- Flat No. C-102 in PDn Exonce in Dumduma, Bhubaneswar.
- A flat at Siula, PS-Pipili, Dist-Puri.
- The house of his relative at Sikshyakapada, PS/Dist-Angul.
- His paternal house at Vill-Lokeipasi, Tahasil/Dist-Angul.
- A double-storeyed paternal building at Matiasahi, PS/Dist-Angul.
- His official chamber located at the Chief Engineer, RD Planning and Road office, Bhubaneswar.
During the searches, a staggering amount of cash was recovered. From his Bhubaneswar flat at PDN Exotica, approximately ₹1 Crore was unearthed.
Separately, from his residence in Angul, an additional ₹1.1 Crore was recovered. Counting machines are currently being used to ascertain the exact figures, bringing the total amount recovered so far to an approximate ₹2.1 Crores.
A dramatic turn of events unfolded at his Bhubaneswar flat when, upon seeing the Vigilance officers, Sri Sarangi reportedly threw bundles of ₹500 notes through the window. These cash bundles were promptly recovered by the search team in the presence of witnesses, further solidifying the allegations against him.
The ongoing investigation highlights the deep-rooted corruption within certain echelons of the Rural Development department. The Vigilance Directorate is expected to continue its probe into Shri Sarangi’s financial dealings and assets, with further details likely to emerge as the counting and investigation progress.