In a dramatic twist to the ongoing anti-corruption probe, an Assistant Engineer closely associated with Raja Kishore Jena, AE of Roads & Buildings Division-2, Bhubaneswar, has come under the Vigilance scanner over allegations of disproportionate assets through joint property ownership.
The accused has been identified as Ashok Kumar Panda, Assistant Engineer, R&B Division-3, Bhubaneswar.
As per reports, Panda reportedly created chaos during the search operation yesterday — throwing a bag containing Rs 1 lakh in cash, his mobile phone, and sensitive documents outside before locking himself in his residence with family members the entire day.
Flat of Ashok Panda at Cosmopolis, Bhubaneswar
Sources reveal that the Vigilance team is continuing its investigation today, scanning multiple locations linked to Panda. Among the properties under scrutiny are two commercial shops in Utkal Kanika Galleria Mall, one outlet in Symphony Mall, two multi-storey residences, and a premium flat at Cosmopolis in Bhubaneswar.
Shop No. 106 of Utkal Kanika Galleria of Ashok Panda
Officials suspect that these acquisitions may have bypassed declared income thresholds, raising serious questions about potential collusion and unaccounted financial dealings.
Further details on asset evaluation, financial linkages, and the engineer’s interrogation are expected to surface as the probe intensifies.
