Did Odisha Vigilance Discover Rs 1.44 Crore During Raids on Forest Officer's Properties?
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Synopsis
In an intense fight against corruption, the Odisha Vigilance has uncovered staggering amounts of cash and gold during raids on a forest officer's properties. This crackdown raises serious questions about the ethics of public officials, as the evidence points to significant discrepancies in declared assets.
Key Takeaways
- Raids led by Odisha Vigilance reveal significant cash holdings.
- Corruption in public offices continues to be a pressing issue.
- Additional assets were discovered, including gold.
- Public officials must maintain transparency and accountability.
- Legal actions are underway against involved parties.
Bhubaneswar, July 25 (NationPress) In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Odisha Vigilance conducted extensive raids at various properties associated with a senior official from the forest department, amid allegations of acquiring assets far exceeding his legitimate income sources.
According to sources from the vigilance, coordinated searches were executed at the properties belonging to Rama Chandra Nepak, the Deputy Ranger and In-Charge Ranger of the Jeypore Forest Range in the Koraput district, as well as at locations linked to his relatives and his office in Bhubaneswar and Koraput. This was initiated due to suspicions of holding assets that are disproportionate to his declared income.
Multiple teams from the state vigilance, spearheaded by six Deputy Superintendents of Police, five Inspectors, nine Assistant Sub-Inspectors, along with additional support staff, participated in the operation based on search warrants issued by the Special Judge of Vigilance in Jeypore. The raids unfolded across six locations in both Jeypore and Bhubaneswar.
During the raid, the anti-corruption officers discovered cash amounting to Rs 1.44 crore, hidden in a secret Treasury within his apartment at Golden Height Residential Apartment in Jeypore Town.
Counting machines were utilized to tally the substantial cash found. Furthermore, officials have reported the recovery of four gold biscuits and 16 gold coins, with the weighing of the gold still ongoing,” stated sources from the vigilance.
It is noteworthy that Nepak commenced his career as a Village Forest Worker on March 9, 1989, in the Social Forestry division of Koraput, and after the integration of Social Forestry with the Territorial Forest Division, he was assigned to the Jeypore Forest (Territorial) Division.
Currently, he serves as the Deputy Ranger and In-Charge Ranger of the Jeypore Forest Range, earning a net salary of Rs 69,680 and a gross salary of Rs 76,880 monthly.
In a related case, the Odisha Vigilance apprehended Nityananda Nayak, the Divisional Forest Officer of the Kendu Leaf Division in Keonjhar district, who, along with family members, was found with 123 landed plots valued at several crores in Angul district.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the Odisha Vigilance in combating corruption. This incident underscores the importance of transparency within government departments, as the public deserves officials who uphold integrity and accountability.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the raids by Odisha Vigilance?
The raids were initiated due to allegations against Rama Chandra Nepak for accumulating assets beyond his known income sources.
How much cash was recovered during the raids?
A total of Rs 1.44 crore was discovered concealed in a secret Treasury within his apartment.
Who else has been arrested in connection with these allegations?
Nityananda Nayak, the Divisional Forest Officer in Keonjhar, was also arrested for possessing numerous valuable plots.
What is the current status of Rama Chandra Nepak?
He currently holds the position of Deputy Ranger cum In-Charge Ranger of the Jeypore Forest Range.
What actions are being taken against the involved officials?
The Odisha Vigilance is conducting thorough investigations and pursuing legal actions against those implicated in corruption.
