Rs 2.1 crore cash seized from Chief Engineer of Rural Works during Vigilance raid

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance on Friday recovered Rs 2.1 crore during simultaneous searches on properties linked to Chief Engineer of Rural Works Baikuntha Nath Sarangi.

While Rs 1 crore was seized from his flat at PDN Exotica in Bhubaneswar, another Rs 1.1 crore was found at his residence in Angul. Sarangi attempted to dispose of bundles of Rs 500 notes by throwing them out of the window of his flat in Bhubaneswar as vigilance officers arrived. Those were later recovered in presence of witnesses, an official release said.

Currency counting machines are being used to confirm the amounts. The raids are currently underway at seven places in Angul, Bhubaneswar, Pipili (Puri) following allegations that he has accumulated assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Properties searched include:

1. Double-storey residential house at Karadagadia, Angul.
2. Flat No.C-102 in PDN Exotica at Dumduma, Bhubaneswar.
3. Flat at Siula, Pipili, Puri.
4. House of his relative at Sikshyakapada in Angul
5. His Paternal house at Lokeipasi village, Angul
6. Double-storey paternal building at Matiasahi,Angul.
7. Office chamber located at Chief engineer, RD planning and Road, Bhubaneswar.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.