Bribery / Odisha Vigilance finds wealth trail after trapping ITI principal in bribery case

Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: The Odisha Vigilance Department has unearthed substantial assets linked to Suresh Kumar Dalabehera, Principal of Government ITI, Balangir, following his arrest in a bribery case involving guest instructors.

Dalabehera was recently caught red-handed by Odisha Vigilance while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from an instructor and other guest faculty members. The amount was allegedly demanded to facilitate their continuation as guest instructors and ensure regular salary disbursement.

Following the trap, Vigilance officials launched simultaneous searches at multiple locations associated with Dalabehera to investigate possible disproportionate assets.

Also read: Former Rajya Sabha MP faces EOW heat in Rayagada Truck Owners’ Association case

During the raids, investigators uncovered a significant collection of movable and immovable properties allegedly owned by the accused and his family members.

According to Vigilance sources, the assets detected include two buildings, one of which is a double-storeyed house in Rourkela. Officials also traced 11 valuable plots located across several districts, including Raurkela, Sundaragada, Jatani, Kataka and Mahakalpada in Kendrapada district.

The searches further led to the recovery of gold jewellery weighing 263 grams and silver ornaments weighing approximately 2.5 kilograms. Cash worth Rs 5.16 lakh was also seized during the operation.

In addition, Vigilance officials found a Hyundai four-wheeler and three two-wheelers linked to the accused.

Despite the discovery of these assets, the vigilance inquiry into the disproportionate assets angle remains underway.

Dalabehera has been arrested and is being produced before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Balangir. Officials said further investigation is continuing to ascertain the full extent of his assets and any possible financial irregularities.