New Delhi: As he saw officers of the state vigilance department approach the building, Baikuntha Nath Sarangi panicked. He started throwing out bundles of Rs 500 notes from the window of his flat in Bhubaneswar.
Raids are currently ongoing at seven locations across the state linked to Sarangi, employed by Odisha government’s rural development department. These include flats in Bhubaneswar, Puri, a two-storey residential apartment in Angul, paternal house in Angul, another flat in Dumduma, an office chamber and another relative’s house in Angul.
According to the state vigilance department, so far Rs 2.1 crore has been recovered during the simultaneous raids, and counting of seized currency notes is still in progress.
In a statement on X, Odisha vigilance department said, “Approx Rs 2.1 Crore cash recovered so far from his house at Bhubaneswar (1 Cr) & Angul (1.1 Cr).”
It added that eight deputy superintendents of police, 12 inspectors, six assistant sub-inspectors, and other supporting staff are conducting the searches
Today , on the allegation of possession of disp. assets by Sri Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer, RW Division, Odisha, house searches are on by #Odisha #Vigilance at 7 locations. Approx Rs 2.1 Crore cash recovered so far from his house at Bhubaneswar (1 Cr) & Angul (1.1 Cr). pic.twitter.com/j0H344OiqA
— Odisha Vigilance (@OdishaVigilance) May 30, 2025
The searches were conducted on the basis of search warrants issued by special judge (vigilance), Angul, on the suspicion that Sarangi owned assets worth more than his informed sources of income could justify, said sources privy to the matter.
In videos of the searches, officials can be seen counting stacks of currency notes of all denominations.
On Thursday, the vigilance department had arrested Sahadev Kisan, a superintending engineer in the public health division, Rayagada, in a separate case.
“Apart from Rs.1.5 Lakh suspected illgotten (sic) cash, 2 plots, deposits & investments Rs.50 lakhs, Gold 100 gms, etc. unearthed. Benami bank account with huge cash deposits found,” the department said in a statement on X.
Today, Sri Sahadev Kisan, Suptd Engr, PH, Rayagada was arrested by Odisha Vigilance in interception case. Apart from Rs.1.5 Lakh suspected illgotten cash, 2 plots, deposits & investments Rs.50 lakhs, Gold 100 gms, etc. unearthed. Benami bank account with huge cash deposits found.
— Odisha Vigilance (@OdishaVigilance) May 29, 2025
It added, “Benami shares were also purchased in the name of UP-based friend. In comparison to his known sources of income over 9 years of govt service so far, Shri Kisan was found to be in possession of disproportionate assets. On this, KPT PS Case No. 21/2025 regd & under investigation.”
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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