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The Odisha Vigilance Department has arrested Baikuntha Nath Beheraan assistant executive engineer posted at the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) office in Kandhamal districtin connection with a disproportionate assets case. The arrest followed simultaneous raids conducted at multiple locations linked to the official.

According to vigilance authorities, the operation was launched after investigators gathered information suggesting that Behera possessed assets allegedly disproportionate to his known sources of income. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and additional details may emerge as the probe progresses.

The accused is being produced before a competent court following his arrest.

Simultaneous raids conducted at nine locations

Speaking about the operation, Cell Division Vigilance SP Sushant Kumar Biswal said vigilance teams carried out coordinated searches on June 6 at a total of nine locations associated with the engineer. The raids covered his residence, office premises and other properties connected to him. Officials said the searches were conducted as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged accumulation of wealth beyond known income sources.The operation involved multiple vigilance teams working simultaneously across different locations.

Properties and valuables discovered during searches

According to vigilance officials, the searches led to the discovery of substantial movable and immovable assets. Investigators reported finding six buildings, 14 plots of landand approximately 552 grams of gold during the raids. In addition, authorities said they identified cash deposits worth around ₹45 lakh. The assets are currently being examined and documented as part of the investigation into the source of the wealth. Officials have not yet disclosed the estimated total value of the properties and valuables recovered.

Arrest made after preliminary findings

Following the completion of the search operations and assessment of preliminary findings, vigilance authorities arrested Behera. Officials stated that the arrest was made in connection with allegations that the assets identified during the raids were disproportionate to his known income. The accused will be presented before the court in accordance with legal procedures. Authorities have not indicated whether additional individuals may come under investigation as part of the case.

Investigation continues

The Vigilance Department said the inquiry remains active and investigators are continuing to examine financial records, property documents and other materials collected during the searches. Officials are expected to verify ownership details, evaluate asset valuations and determine the sources of funds linked to the properties and valuables recovered. Further findings will be released as the investigation advances.

The department has indicated that additional action may follow based on the outcome of the ongoing probe.

What happens next?

With the arrest completed and court proceedings set to begin, investigators will continue scrutinizing the assets identified during the raids. The Vigilance Department is expected to submit relevant findings before the court while continuing its examination of financial and property- records.

For now, authorities have confirmed the arrest of Baikuntha Nath Behera following searches at nine locationswhere officials reported discovering six buildings, 14 land plots, 552 grams of gold, and cash deposits worth approximately ₹45 lakh.