Tainted engineer arrested for possessing Rs 2.04 crore cash, 5 buildings & 14 plots

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance arrested Baikuntha Nath Behera, Assistant Executive Engineer of ITDA Baliguda, Kandhamal, for possessing massive assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The arrest was made after Vigilance teams searched Behera’s properties and detected five multi storey buildings covering over 20,000 sq ft, including four palatial structures in Bhubaneswar. They also found 14 high value plots, Rs 2.04 crore in cash, 500 grams of gold, and deposits worth Rs 45 lakh. Behera failed to justify these assets during questioning.

During the raids, investigators traced ownership documents and verified financial records to determine the source of funds. They also identified one locker operated in the name of his spouse, which remains unopened.

A case was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018. Behera will appear before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.

The Odisha Vigilance disproportionate assets case underscores the agency’s aggressive stance against corruption. The operation reflects its commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.