Why Did Odisha Vigilance Arrest a Senior Govt Official Over DA Charges?
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Synopsis
The Odisha Vigilance has made a significant arrest, apprehending a senior government official accused of amassing disproportionate assets exceeding 200% of his known income. This case sheds light on ongoing issues of corruption within the state administration, raising questions about accountability and the measures being taken to combat financial misconduct.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Vigilance arrested a senior official for disproportionate assets.
- Dayanidhi Bag had over 200% excess assets compared to income.
- Previous colleagues were involved in misappropriating Rs 20 Lakhs.
- Search revealed significant properties and wealth.
- 211 criminal cases registered this year against government officials.
Bhubaneswar, July 1 (NationPress) - On Tuesday, the Odisha Vigilance apprehended a high-ranking official from the state government, accused of accumulating Disproportionate Assets (DA) exceeding 200 percent of his verified income sources.
The detained individual, Dayanidhi Bag, serves as the Joint Director at the Directorate of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development in Bhubaneswar.
Previously, Bag held the position of Project Director in Rayagada district, and he came under scrutiny following the arrest of four colleagues from the same office on May 22. They were implicated in the misappropriation of over Rs 20 Lakhs in government funds intended for the excavation of 23 farm ponds in various villages within the Kashipur Block under the NREGS.
On Monday, vigilance officials executed simultaneous searches across multiple properties associated with Bag, following search warrants issued by the Special Judge for Vigilance in Bhawanipatna, regarding his alleged possession of disproportionate assets.
During these searches, officials discovered that Bag owned two buildings—one in Bhubaneswar and another in Nabarangpur—along with a 3-BHK flat, a shopping complex near Nabarangpur town, and 84 acres of land, which included two farmhouses. His investments were estimated at over Rs 1.5 crore, and he also possessed 41 acres of benami land in various locations across Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Kalahandi districts, along with gold ornaments weighing 312 grams, bank deposits exceeding Rs 58 lakhs, and a benami car.
“Following an extensive search, inventory check, and further inquiry, it was determined that Bag's assets exceeded his known income sources by 212 percent,” stated a senior official from the vigilance department on Tuesday.
This year, the Odisha Vigilance has initiated 211 criminal cases and arrested 179 government officials for various financial misconducts and corruption allegations.
Additionally, the Vigilance Department conducted searches at over 483 locations linked to cases of graft and DA charges.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge that the arrest of Dayanidhi Bag highlights significant concerns regarding corruption within our government. Such actions by the Odisha Vigilance are necessary to uphold integrity and accountability among public officials. It is a reminder that transparency and ethical conduct must remain paramount in our governance.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Dayanidhi Bag?
Dayanidhi Bag was arrested on charges of amassing disproportionate assets exceeding 200% of his known income sources.
How much money was misappropriated by Bag's colleagues?
Bag's colleagues were implicated in misappropriating over Rs 20 Lakhs in government funds.
What assets were found during the search of Bag's properties?
During the search, officials found two buildings, a 3-BHK flat, a shopping complex, 84 acres of land, gold ornaments, and bank deposits exceeding Rs 58 lakhs.
How many criminal cases has the Odisha Vigilance registered this year?
The Odisha Vigilance has registered 211 criminal cases this year.
What measures are being taken against corruption in Odisha?
The Vigilance Department is actively conducting searches and investigations into graft and disproportionate asset cases to combat corruption.
