Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday unearthed huge assets, including two multi-storeyed buildings, a market complex, a godown, 30 plots of land, and Rs 2.98 lakh in cash, during raids at sites linked to Kartikeswar Behera, a Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) in Baragada district.
The raids are being carried out by the anti-corruption agency over allegations of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Behera, currently posted as the PEO of Katabhal Gram Panchayat, is also serving as the in-charge PEO of Firingimal and Gourenmunda Gram Panchayats under Gaisilet block.
According to the Vigilance, searches are being conducted at six locations linked to Behera on the strength of search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bargarh.
During house searches so far, the following assets have been unearthed in the name of Behera and his family members;
1. Double storeyed residential building with area approx 4800 Sq ft of Behera at Kandagada near Gaisilet, Dist-Baragada.
2. Four storeyed under construction building at Gaisilet, Dist-Baragada.
3. One Market complex of area approx 2400 Sq ft. at Kandagada, Dist-Baragada.
4. One Godown with area approx 1500 Sqft. at Kandagada, Dist-Baragada.
5. 30 plots near Gaisilet & Kandagada in Baragada district.
The measurement and valuation/assessment of the above buildings/plots/market complex/Godown are being carried out by Vigilance Technical Wing.
6. Cash to the tune of Rs 2,98,177/-
7. Deposits and other investments in financial instruments are being ascertained.
Searches are continuing and further details are awaited.