Panchayat Samiti’s Engineer Under Odisha Vigilance Lens; 11 Plots, Flat Unearthed In Berhampur

Gajapati: The Vigilance sleuths on Saturday conducted raids on the properties of Rayagada Panchayat Samiti’s assistant Engineer Dilip Kumar Sahu in Odisha’s Gajapati and Berhampur on charges of accumulating disproportionate assets to his known sources of income.

According to sources, simultaneous house searches are being conducted by the vigilance team led by an Additional Superintendent of Police (SP), five inspectors, two Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and other staff at four places in Berhampur, Digapahandi, and R Udayagiri.

1. Residential flat at Spectrum Malati Residency in Gopabandhu Nagar in Berhampur.

2. Double-storey house at Jyoti Nagar in Berhampur.

3. Water Irrigation Project Office at Digapahandi in Ganjam

4. Residential government quarter at Cheligada under R Udaygiri in Gajapati.

ASSETS RECOVERED

1) One 3BHK flat at Spectrum Malati Residency in Gopabandhu Nagar, Berhampur.

2) One renovated double-storey parental house.

3) 11 plots in prime areas in and around Berhampur.

The measurement and valuation/assessment of buildings and plots is being carried out by Vigilance technical wing.

4) Cash over Rs.2.72 lakh.

5) Gold worth 345 gm.

6) Suspected Benami possession of one four-wheeler and two two-wheelers.

Previously, several complaints of corruption were filed against Sahu with the block administration, the district administration, and the state government.

Notably, there have been allegations of huge corruption in many government schemes, including relief funds after Cyclone Titli in 2018. Protests were also held on behalf of various political parties following which the vigilance arrested an engineer of the block and Sahu was kept under surveillance.