Vigilance Raid / Odisha Vigilance Raids PEO in Bargarh, Unearths Assets Worth Crores

Bargarh, Sept 22: Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday carried out simultaneous searches at multiple locations linked to a Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) in Bargarh district, uncovering assets worth crores of rupees allegedly disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The raids targeted properties of Kartikeswar Behera, PEO of Katabhal Gram Panchayat and in‑charge of Firingimal and Gourenmunda Gram Panchayats under Gaisilet block. Officials reported the discovery of two multi‑storeyed buildings, a market complex, a godown, and 35 high‑value plots.

Cash amounting toRs2.98 lakh, a tractor, a Bolero, four two‑wheelers, gold and household articles valued atRs3.70 lakh were also seized. Vigilance teams further found Mahua flowers worth aroundRs22 lakh stored in a godown.

Among the properties identified were a double‑storeyed residential building of 6,500 sq ft at Kandagada near Gaisilet, and an under‑construction four‑storeyed building measuring 8,000 sq ft at Gaisilet. A market complex of 2,400 sq ft and a godown of 1,500 sq ft were also located at Kandagada.

The Vigilance Technical Wing is currently assessing the value of the seized assets, including land, buildings, and commercial establishments.

According to officials, six vigilance teams led by five Deputy Superintendents of Police, eight Inspectors, two Assistant Sub‑Inspectors, and supporting staff conducted the searches under warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bargarh.

Behera, who joined government service in 1994 and has been serving as PEO of Katabhal Gram Panchayat since 2024, is being examined to ascertain the source of the assets. Further searches are continuing.

The case underscores Vigilance’s intensified drive against corruption and disproportionate asset holdings among government officials in Odisha.