Did the Odisha Vigilance Department Uncover Corruption by a Divisional Forest Officer?
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Synopsis
In a significant anti-corruption operation, Odisha's Vigilance Department uncovered extensive assets linked to a senior forest officer, raising questions about integrity in public service. With properties worth crores and numerous land acquisitions, this case highlights the ongoing battle against corruption in government sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Vigilance Department is actively combating corruption.
- A senior Forest Officer is under investigation for amassing disproportionate assets.
- Raids uncovered properties worth crores, indicating potential misuse of government resources.
- The case highlights the necessity for transparency in public service.
- Ongoing investigations will assess the legitimacy of asset acquisitions.
Bhubaneswar, July 20 (NationPress) The Odisha Vigilance Department conducted a series of raids on properties associated with a high-ranking official from the state’s Forest Department, following allegations of accumulating wealth beyond his declared sources of income.
The implicated official, Nityananda Nayak, holds the position of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for the Kendu Leaf Division in Keonjhar district.
Raids took place at seven sites across Angul, Keonjhar, and Nayagarh districts, including Nayak's official residence in Keonjhar, his son’s office and home in Nayagarh, his ancestral house in Madanmohan Patna, and his in-laws' residence in Jagannathpur, Angul district.
According to a statement from the Odisha Vigilance Department, seven teams consisting of three DSPs, ten Inspectors, and additional personnel conducted searches based on Search Warrants issued by the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Keonjhar.
During the extensive searches, officials uncovered assets valued at crores linked to Nayak. Significantly, they discovered that Nayak and his family possessed 115 landed plots in a single block of Angul district.
Of these, Nayak owns 53 plots, while his wife has 42, and his two sons possess 16 plots collectively. Additionally, his daughter owns four plots. The Vigilance Department revealed that these properties were acquired between 1992, when Nayak began his government career, and 2024, during which he held various positions including Forest Range Officer, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Deputy Conservator of Forests, and DFO.
The Registered Sale Deed (RSD) value for the 115 plots is listed at Rs. 2.5 crore, but officials suspect the actual market value could be considerably higher, raising concerns regarding potential undervaluation during registration. A thorough investigation has been initiated to scrutinize these transactions.
Additionally, Nayak was found to possess a four-storeyed building in Angul, cash amounting to Rs. 1.55 lakh, around 200 grams of gold ornaments, exquisite teak wood artifacts, and an assortment of weaponry including rifles and bows and arrows.
Point of View
This incident underscores the persistent issues of corruption within government ranks. As the Odisha Vigilance Department takes decisive action, it reflects a commitment to uphold integrity and accountability in public service, which is essential for restoring public trust.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the raids conducted by the Odisha Vigilance Department?
The raids were initiated based on allegations that Nityananda Nayak, a senior Forest Officer, accumulated assets beyond his known sources of income.
How many properties were searched during the operation?
Raids were conducted at seven different locations across Angul, Keonjhar, and Nayagarh districts.
What significant findings were made during the searches?
Investigators uncovered assets worth crores, including 115 plots of land owned by Nayak and his family in Angul district.
What is the estimated registered value of the discovered properties?
The Registered Sale Deed value of the 115 plots is recorded at Rs. 2.5 crore, though the actual market value may be much higher.
What actions are being taken following these discoveries?
A thorough investigation has been launched to examine the legitimacy of these asset acquisitions and any potential undervaluation during registration.
