Berhampur/Ganjam: The Odisha Vigilance on Thursday began simultaneous house searches at five properties linked to Panchu Behera, an Assistant Engineer currently posted as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the DAHA Irrigation Sub-Division under the Bhanjanagar Irrigation Division in Ganjam district.
The raids were initiated on allegations that Behera possesses assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
A team led by thre
e DSPs, seven inspectors, and supporting staff is conducting the operations based on search warrants issued by Special Judge, Vigilance, Berhampur.
The searches are underway at the following locations in Ganjam district:
>> His triple-storey residential building at Basant Vihar, Berhampur.
>> Government quarter at Bhanjanagar.
>> Office chamber at Bhanjanagar.
>> Paternal (ancestral) house at Polasara.
>> House of a relative at Bima Nagar, Berhampur.
Officials are scrutinising documents, property records, and financial details during the ongoing searches. A detailed report is expected once the raids conclude.
This development comes amid Vigilance Department’s continued crackdown on alleged corruption among government officials, particularly in departments handling public infrastructure and irrigation projects.