Bhubaneswar, Jun 6: Odisha Vigilance on Saturday recovered about Rs2 crore in cash from bank lockers belonging to Baikuntha Nath Behera, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), ITDA Baliguda, Kandhamal, during simultaneous raids conducted on allegations of possession of disproportionate assets beyond his known sources of income.
The searches, conducted simultaneously in Bhubaneswar, Baripada, Dharmasala (Jajpur), and Baliguda, were led by two Additional SPs, five DSPs, six Inspectors, and supporting staff, acting on warrants issued by the Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.

During the operation, Vigilance unearthed five multi-storeyed buildings, including four palatial structures in Bhubaneswar, 13 high-value plots spread across Bhubaneswar, Jajpur, and Baripada, and cash amounting to Rs2.66 lakh from residences. In addition, gold jewellery, bank deposits, postal savings, and other investments are being verified.

Also Read: Odisha Vigilance Raids Nine Properties of Baliguda ITDA Officer Amid Disproportionate Assets Allegations

The most striking revelation came from two lockers operated in the name of Behera’s spouse at Axis Bank and UBI, Chandrasekharpur Branch, Bhubaneswar. On opening, officials recovered nearly Rs2 crore in cash, which is currently being counted using bank machines.

The Vigilance Technical Wing is assessing the measurement and valuation of the unearthed properties, which include prime plots in Chandrasekharpur, Sailashree Vihar, Patia, and Ghatikia in Bhubaneswar, as well as lands in Dharmasala (Jajpur) and Baripada.

Searches are continuing, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. The recovery of such large sums of cash and assets has raised serious questions about the scale of disproportionate wealth allegedly amassed by the official.