Odisha Vigilance launched simultaneous raids today at five locations linked to Panchu Behera, SDO, Daha Irrigation Sub-Division, Bhanjanagar, Ganjam district.
Acting on allegations of disproportionate assets, Vigilance teams led by three DSPs and seven Inspectors searched Behera’s properties. The operation began early on March 26, 2026, under search warrants issued by the Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Berhampur.
Officials raided Behera’s triple-storeyed residence at Basant Vihar in Berhampur, his government quarter at Bhanjanagar, his office chamber in Bhanjanagar, his paternal house at Polasara, and the residence of a relative at Bima Nagar, Berhampur.
The searches aim to uncover evidence of assets allegedly disproportionate to Behera’s known sources of income. Vigilance officers are examining documents, valuables, and property records to assess the scale of suspected irregularities.
The raids highlight Odisha Vigilance’s intensified crackdown on corruption within government departments. Investigators continue to scrutinise Behera’s financial records and property holdings. Further updates are expected as the operation progresses.
During house searches so far, the following assets have been unearthed in the name of Sri Behera and his family members;
1. One triple-storeyed building with an area of 3550 sq ft. located at Basant Vihar, Berhampur.
2. 5 valuable plots in and around Berhampur town.
The measurement and valuation/assessment of the above building/plots are being carried out by Vigilance Technical Wing.
3. Cash Rs.18,90,800/- (cash Rs.15.13 lakhs from residential house at Berhampur & Rs.3, 72,800/- from Govt. quarter at Bhanja Nagar).
4. 1 Concrete Mixer Machine purchased in the year 2024 for Rs. 57 Lakhs.
5. 1 JCB Machine purchased in the year 2025 for Rs. 37 lakhs.
6. 1 four-wheeler (Hyundai i-20) & 3 two-wheelers.
7. Bank, Postal deposits and other financial investments, etc., are being ascertained.
8. Weighing of gold ornaments is being done.
Service Details of Panchu Behera:
Panchu Behera entered government service on 27 September 2011 as an Assistant Engineer (Civil) with a consolidated remuneration of Rs. 9,300/- per month.
- 2011 – 2015: Deputed to the PR & DW Department and posted at Koksara Block, Kalahandi District. Served there from 15 October 2011 to 19 November 2015.
- 2015 – 2018: Worked at Dharmagarh Block, Kalahandi District as Assistant Engineer (Civil).
- 2018 – April 2022: Posted at Chakapada Block, Phulbani District as Assistant Engineer (Civil).
- April 2022 – Present: Returned to the Irrigation Department and posted as SDO, Daha Irrigation Sub-Division, Bhanjanagar under the Office of the Superintending Engineer, Bhanjanagar Irrigation Division, Ganjam. He continues to serve in this position.
