Odisha Vigilance Seizes Rs 2.1 Crore Cash From Chief Engineer’s Residences, Raids Continue

The raids were carried out at multiple locations linked to Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer, rural works department, Bhubaneswar, following allegations of possession of disproportionate assets.

The Vigilance team recovered approximately Rs 1 crore in cash from Sarangi’s flat at PDN Exotica in Dumduma, Bhubaneswar. An additional Rs 1.1 crore was seized from his double-storeyed residence in Karadagadia, Angul, taking the total haul to Rs 2.1 crore.

In a dramatic turn during the operation, Sarangi reportedly attempted to dispose of cash bundles by throwing them out of his apartment window upon spotting the Vigilance officials. However, the thrown-away cash, consisting of Rs 500 denomination notes, was promptly recovered by the search team in the presence of independent witnesses.

The raids were part of a larger investigation into allegations that Sarangi had amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Acting on search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Angul, simultaneous searches were conducted at seven different locations linked to the officer, including properties in Bhubaneswar, Angul, and Pipili in Puri district.

A total of eight Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 12 Inspectors, six Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and several other personnel were mobilised for the extensive operation. Besides his residences, raids were also conducted at Sarangi’s office chamber located in the Chief Engineer’s office of the RD Planning and Road Division in Bhubaneswar, and at the homes of his relatives in Angul.

As the searches continue, sources within the Vigilance department indicated that more incriminating evidence related to disproportionate assets may surface in the ongoing probe.