Odisha Vigilance Uncovers Massive Assets Worth Over Rs 4 Crore from Irrigation Department Officer
In a significant anti-corruption operation, vigilance sleuths in Odisha on Thursday unearthed properties valued at more than Rs four crore from Panchu Behera, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the Daha irrigation sub-division in Bhanjanagar, Ganjam district. The extensive search operation revealed a staggering portfolio of assets allegedly accumulated by the government official.
Detailed Inventory of Seized Properties
The vigilance team discovered a comprehensive collection of valuable assets during their searches across multiple locations. The properties include:
- A multi-storey building located in Berhampur
- Five valuable housing plots in prime locations
- A concrete mixture machine worth Rs 57 lakh
- A JCB machine valued at Rs 37 lakh
- Cash amounting to approximately Rs 18.9 lakh (Rs 15.13 lakh from his residential house in Berhampur and Rs 3.72 lakh from his government quarter)
- Bank deposits and insurance policies worth around Rs 90 lakh
- Household articles valued at Rs 8.57 lakh
- Gold ornaments and coins weighing approximately 568 grams, including 178 grams of gold coins worth about Rs 60 lakh
- A four-wheeler vehicle and three two-wheelers
The total value of his residential properties and housing plots is still being calculated by officials, suggesting the final asset valuation might exceed the current estimate of Rs 4 crore.
Extensive Search Operation Across Multiple Locations
The vigilance department conducted thorough searches at various properties connected to Behera. The operation covered his government quarter and office chamber at Bhanjanagar, his residence at Basant Bihar in Berhampur, his parental house at Polasara, and the house of his relatives at Bima Nagar in Berhampur.
The search was executed by a substantial team comprising three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), seven inspectors, and numerous supporting staff members from the anti-corruption agency. This demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case of alleged disproportionate assets.
Background of the Accused Officer
Panchu Behera, aged 41, began his government service career as an assistant engineer (civil) on September 27, 2011, with a modest consolidated remuneration of Rs 9,300 per month. His initial posting was with the panchayat raj and drinking water department, where he served at Koksara block as an assistant engineer (civil) from October 15, 2011, to November 19, 2015.
Behera was appointed as SDO of Daha irrigation in Bhanjanagar in April 2022. Prior to this assignment, he had worked in Dhamnagar in Kalahandi district and Chakapad in Kandhamal district, giving him exposure to various regions within Odisha's administrative framework.
Ongoing Investigation and Asset Calculation
Vigilance officials have indicated that the final calculation of Behera's ill-gotten properties will only be determined after completing a comprehensive assessment of all assets discovered during the search operation. Authorities will also examine his legitimate earnings during his 15-year service period to establish the extent of disproportionate assets.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by Odisha's anti-corruption agencies to combat graft within government departments, particularly focusing on officials whose asset accumulation appears inconsistent with their known sources of income. The irrigation department, responsible for crucial water management infrastructure, has come under particular scrutiny in this investigation.
The vigilance department's findings will now undergo detailed verification and documentation as part of the legal process against the accused officer. This case serves as a reminder of the continued vigilance required to maintain integrity within public service institutions across India.
