Officers from the Odisha Vigilance Directorate executed simultaneous search operations across six locations associated with Kartikeswar Behera, the Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Katabhal Gram Panchayat in Baragada district.
Behera, who also holds additional charge of Firingimal and Gourenmunda Gram Panchayats under Gaisilet Block, is under investigation for allegedly accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The multi-location raids were carried out on the authority of search warrants issued by the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Baragada. The raiding teams comprised five Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), eight Inspectors, two Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and supporting staff.
Unearthed Immovable and Movable Assets
During the ongoing house searches, Vigilance officials uncovered substantial real estate properties and cash reserves registered in the name of Behera and his family members:
- Double-Storeyed Residence: A residential building spanning approximately 4,800 sq. ft. located at Kandagada near Gaisilet.
- Four-Storeyed Structure: A large four-storeyed under-construction building situated at Gaisilet.
- Commercial Properties: A market complex measuring roughly 2,400 sq. ft. (comprising six rooms) and a 1,500 sq. ft. godown (comprising three rooms) at Kandagada.
- Land Holdings: 30 land plots located across Gaisilet and Kandagada in Baragada district.
- Liquid Cash: Cash amounting to Rs 2,98,177 seized from his residential premises.
Officials from the Vigilance Technical Wing are currently conducting measurements and official valuation assessments of the buildings, commercial spaces, and land parcels. Meanwhile, officers are scrutinising bank deposits, insurance policies, and investments in financial instruments.
30-Year Service Profile
According to official service records, Kartikeswar Behera joined government service in July 1994 as the Secretary of Gaisilet Gram Panchayat on an initial salary of Rs 500 per month.
He was promoted to Village Level Worker (VLW) on June 4, 2009, a designation later re-designated as Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) in 2012. Having served over three decades in Baragada district, his current official salary stands at Rs 52,320 per month.
Vigilance officials confirmed that search operations are continuing, and further financial verification reports will follow as bank lockers and property deeds are examined.
