Vigilance Officials Launch Major Raids in Odisha Over Massive Salary Scam
In a significant crackdown on alleged corruption, vigilance sleuths in Odisha conducted coordinated raids at five separate locations on Wednesday. The operation targets Subrat Kumar Behera, a junior assistant working at the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) office in Angul, who is accused of misappropriating a staggering Rs 2.38 crore in government funds.
Details of the Alleged Financial Misconduct
According to vigilance sources, the fraudulent activity spanned an extensive period of eight years, from 2017 to 2025. Behera allegedly manipulated the system to draw excess amounts towards his salary, systematically siphoning off public money. The illicit funds were reportedly credited directly to his salary account at the State Bank of India's Angul branch, creating a paper trail that investigators are now meticulously examining.
The accused has been evading authorities since October 2025, adding urgency to the investigation. Officials are currently analyzing financial documents, bank transaction records, and other evidentiary materials to fully trace the money trail and understand the complete scope of the alleged embezzlement.
Comprehensive Search Operation Across Multiple Locations
The vigilance team executed search warrants at five distinct properties connected to Behera and his associates. The raided locations include:
- His triple-storied residential building located at Hakimpada in Angul town.
- A house belonging to a relative at Bonda village, which falls under the Nalco Nagar police jurisdiction in Angul.
- His paternal house situated at Baunsapokhari in the Hindol area of Dhenkanal district.
- A rented property occupied by his cousin at Shree Vihar in Bhubaneswar.
- His official office room at the CDMO office in Angul.
Significant Assets Discovered During Raids
During the extensive search operations, investigators uncovered substantial assets that may be linked to the alleged scam. The seized items include gold weighing approximately 450 grams, one car, and three two-wheelers. These discoveries are being carefully documented and evaluated as potential proceeds of the fraudulent activities.
The vigilance department's operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government systems, particularly targeting individuals who exploit their positions for personal financial gain. This case underscores the importance of robust financial oversight and accountability mechanisms in public institutions.
