Bhubaneswar, June 8: In a significant breakthrough in the disproportionate assets (DA) case against Baikuntha Nath Behera, Odisha Vigilance has recovered a total of 1.255 kilograms of gold jewellery from bank lockers linked to the government engineer, further exposing the extent of wealth allegedly amassed beyond his known sources of income.
The latest recovery was made on Monday during continuing searches conducted after Behera’s arrest. Vigilance officials opened the fifth bank locker associated with the accused and seized 703 grams of gold jewellery along with 375 grams of silver ornaments. With this fresh seizure, the total quantity of gold recovered during the investigation has risen to 1.255 kg.
Behera, an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) with the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Baliguda in Kandhamal district, was arrested by Odisha Vigilance on Sunday after extensive raids on his properties reportedly revealed assets disproportionate to his declared income. Investigators said he failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the source of the wealth uncovered during the searches.
According to Vigilance sources, the accused owns five multi-storeyed buildings with a combined built-up area exceeding 20,000 square feet. Four of these properties are located in prime areas of Bhubaneswar and are described as luxurious residential structures. Apart from the buildings, officials have identified 14 high-value plots in different locations.
The investigation has also led to the seizure of cash exceeding ₹2.04 crore and the detection of bank deposits worth approximately ₹45 lakh. Officials are continuing to scrutinise financial records, investments and other movable and immovable assets linked to the engineer and his family members.
Vigilance authorities described the case as one of the most significant disproportionate assets investigations involving a government engineer in Odisha in recent years. Further searches and financial verification are underway, and additional disclosures are expected as the probe progresses.
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