Cuttack/Kendrapada: The Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday recovered a luxurious four-storey palatial building, another residential building, six high-value plots, cash, and bank deposits worth over Rs 45 lakhs during raids on properties linked to Rabindra Kumar Nayak, a Forest Ranger in the Kendrapada Forest Range under Kataka Forest Division.
According to updates from the Vigilance Department, the assets unearthed so far in the name of Nayak and his family members include:
>> A four-storey palatial residential building spanning approximately 6,400 square feet at Munduli, Baranga (Godisahi), Kataka.
>> A second building at Sahadapada under Banki police station in Kataka district.
>> Six high-value plots in prime locations of Baranga, Kataka.
>> Rs 2.14 lakh in cash and Rs 43 lakh in bank deposits.
>> One four-wheeler (Mahindra Grand Vitara) and one two-wheeler.
Technical teams from the Vigilance Department are currently measuring and assessing the valuation of the buildings and plots. Other financial investments are still under verification while gold jewellery are being weighed.
The raids were launched this morning following allegations that Nayak possessed disproportionate assets (DA) beyond his known sources of income. Simultaneous house searches were conducted at four locations in Kataka and Kendrapada districts by teams led by 5 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 9 Inspectors, 5 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and supporting staff, acting on warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Kataka.
Searches are still continuing, and further details are expected as the operation progresses.
Nayak joined government service in August 1988 on rehabilitation scheme as Forester and was posted at Khordha under Forest Division, Puri with initial salary Rs 1,000. Thereafter, he worked at Chilika Wild Life Division, Balugaon, Chandaka Wild Life Division, Bhubaneswar, Mahanadi Wild Life Division, Nayagada under City Forest Division, Bhubaneswar in the same rank. He was promoted to the rank of Deputy Ranger on July 21, 2016, and continued under City Forest Division, Bhubaneswar (RCF). Again, on February 8, 2021, he was promoted to the rank of Ranger and continued under DFO, Athagada. On transfer, he joined as Ranger at Kendrapada Forest Range Office and has been continuing there till date.
