Odisha Vigilance Raid On Addl Chief Engineer: ‘Cryptocurrency’ Investments, 8 Plots Unearthed

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance sleuths on Friday conducted simultaneous searches on the houses and properties of Additional Chief Engineer, Planning, Monitoring, Design and Investigation of Rural Water Supply & Sanitation (RWSS) Circle in Bhubaneswar, Nihar Ranjan Das, on the allegation of acquisition of disproportionate assets.

According to sources, evidence of suspected cryptocurrency investments was found during the raid. Das had also allegedly tried to destroy those by throwing away a bundle of documents along with a mobile phone, from the window of the house immediately upon seeing the vigilance officials.

The search team recovered 38 documents related to crypto investments, which are being examined by the Financial Wing of Odisha Vigilance and crypto experts, an official release said.

Besides, the following assets in his name and that of his family members have been unearthed so far:

1) A 3-BHK Flat No.-201 at Sri Ram Mansion, Kharavela Nagar, Unit-III, Bhubaneswar.

2) A double-storey building at Modipara, Sambalpur.

The measurement and valuation/assessment of the flat/building is being carried out by Vigilance Technical Wing.

3) 8 plots in prime areas of Sambalpur town.

i) One plot vide Khata No.290/527, Plot No.603/1467 at Dhankauda in Sambalpur worth Rs.55 lakhs.

ii) One plot vide Khata No.559/1602, Plot No.947/6349 Ainthapali in Sambalpur worth Rs.36.96 Lakhs.

iii) One plot vide Khata No.559/1603, Plot No.947/6350 at Ainthapali in Sambalpur worth Rs.32.34 Lakhs.

iv) One plot vide Khata No.207/15, Plot No.884 at Bahidar Nuapali in Sambalpur.
v) One plot vide Khata No.207/15, Plot No.884 at Bahidar Nuapali in Sambalpur.

vi) One plot vide Khata No.207/16, Plot No.884 at Bahidar Nuapali in Sambalpur.

vii) One plot vide Khata No.207/16, Plot No.884 at Bahidar Nuapali in Sambalpur.

viii) One plot vide Khata No.330/1215, Plot No.1535/3663 at Kainsir in Sambalpur.

4) Rs.1,07,785 in cash

5) 2 four-wheelers (Honda WR-V car).

6) 2 two-wheelers (Royal Enfield).

Details of bank and other deposits/investments and assessment/valuation of gold jewellery are under progress, the release added.