Is a senior government official in Odisha under the Vigilance scanner for DA charges?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, the Odisha Vigilance has uncovered assets worth crores linked to a senior government official amid allegations of disproportionate wealth. This case raises serious questions about corruption and accountability within the state's administration. The ongoing investigations promise a deeper look into the intricacies of public service and personal enrichment.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Vigilance has uncovered crores worth of assets linked to a senior official.
- Investigations were prompted by allegations of disproportionate wealth.
- Multiple locations were searched, revealing significant assets owned by the official.
- Confiscation orders have been issued against co-accused Swarnalata Pradhan.
- The case raises important questions about integrity in public service.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 18 (NationPress) The Odisha Vigilance agency revealed assets worth crores on Monday during coordinated searches at several locations associated with a high-ranking state government official, amidst accusations of acquiring properties exceeding his known income sources.
The implicated individual, Surendra Behera, is currently serving as the Superintending Engineer at the Irrigation Division in Angul district.
According to sources from the Vigilance department, investigations were prompted by allegations of holding assets disproportionate to known income. Consequently, simultaneous searches were executed across eight locations in Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Sundargarh, Angul, and Ganjam.
Searches were conducted at various residences, including the paternal and in-law's homes in the Purusottampur area of Ganjam district, government accommodations, and Behera’s office in Angul.
“A total of eight teams from Odisha Vigilance, which included three Deputy Superintendents of Police, ten Inspectors, four Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and additional support staff, executed the operation on Monday based on Search Warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Sundargarh,” stated a senior officer from the Vigilance.
During the searches, investigators uncovered that Behera and his family own a triple-storied building in Sundargarh Town, valued at over Rs 1.11 crore, along with a double-storied building in Rourkela, two flats in Bhubaneswar, and four high-value plots, including one each in Sundargarh and Rourkela, and two in Purusottampur.
In a related case, the Confiscation Court (Authorized Officer's Court), Vigilance, Bhubaneswar, on the same day, ordered the confiscation of both movable and immovable assets belonging to Swarnalata Pradhan, widow of the late Basanta Kumar Pradhan, who is also a co-defendant in a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case dating back to 1990.
The confiscated assets include a multi-storied building in Tulasipur (Cuttack), a building in Laxmisagar (Bhubaneswar), a 5.02-acre farmhouse in Athagarh (Cuttack), along with bank and postal deposits.
Reports indicate that during the raids on properties linked to Basanta Kumar, former Deputy Director of Social Forestry in Bhubaneswar, the Vigilance team discovered assets exceeding his legitimate income sources. Basanta Kumar was convicted in this DA case on January 27, 2012.
Additionally, the special court has ordered the confiscation of properties owned by Swarnalata, a co-accused in this case.
Point of View
This incident underscores the critical need for transparency and integrity within public service. As the investigations unfold, it is imperative that the authorities uphold the principles of justice and accountability, ensuring that public officials are held to the highest standards of conduct. The Nation stands firmly behind the pursuit of truth and the eradication of corruption.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Vigilance to investigate the senior official?
The investigation was initiated based on allegations of the official possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
What assets were uncovered during the searches?
The searches revealed a triple-storied building, a double-storied building, two flats, and several high-value plots, all valued at crores.
Who is Surendra Behera?
Surendra Behera is a senior government official currently serving as the Superintending Engineer in the Irrigation Division of Angul district.
What is the significance of the confiscation of Swarnalata Pradhan's assets?
The confiscation of Swarnalata Pradhan's assets highlights ongoing efforts to address corruption and recover illicitly amassed wealth.
What actions are being taken against public officials accused of corruption?
The Vigilance department is conducting thorough investigations and executing search warrants to uncover and confiscate assets related to corrupt practices.
