Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, conducted simultaneous raids across multiple properties linked to Kartikeswar Behera, Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Katabhal Gram Panchayat in Bargarh (Baragada) district, on allegations of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The searches unearthed assets reportedly worth crores of rupees, including real estate, vehicles, cash, and stored commodities.

Scale of the Searches

Six vigilance teams — led by five Deputy Superintendents of Police, eight Inspectors, two Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and supporting staff — conducted the operation under search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Baragada. Behera, who also serves as in-charge PEO of Firingimal and Gourenmunda Gram Panchayats under Gaisilet block, has been in government service since 1994 and has held his current posting since 2024.

Assets Unearthed

Among the properties discovered were a double-storeyed residential building of approximately 6,500 sq ft at Kandagada near Gaisilet and an under-construction four-storeyed building measuring around 8,000 sq ft at Gaisilet. A market complex of approximately 2,400 sq ft and a godown spread over around 1,500 sq ft were also found at Kandagada, along with 35 high-value plots.

Searches also turned up cash worth ₹2.98 lakh, a tractor, a Bolero, and four two-wheelers. Gold and household articles valued at approximately ₹3.70 lakh were recovered. Notably, investigators found Mahua flowers worth around ₹22 lakh stored in the godown — an unusual find that indicates possible involvement in the local forest produce trade.

Valuation Still Ongoing

The Odisha Vigilance Technical Wing is currently assessing the total value of the buildings, plots, market complex, and godown. The aggregate valuation is expected to run into several crores, according to officials. The cash, vehicles, and commodities recovered carry a combined disclosed value of over ₹29 lakh at this stage, with immovable property estimates pending.

Investigation Status

Behera is currently being examined by Vigilance officials to determine the source of the accumulated assets, and searches are reportedly still continuing. This case follows a broader pattern of Odisha Vigilance targeting state and panchayat-level functionaries in recent months, reflecting increased anti-corruption scrutiny at the grassroots government tier. A government servant accumulating two multi-storeyed buildings, a commercial complex, and 35 plots on a PEO's salary raises significant questions about oversight mechanisms at the block and district level.