The Odisha Vigilance conducted simultaneous raids on July 20, 2025, targeting Nityananda Nayak, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Keonjhar Kendu Leaf Division, for allegedly holding disproportionate assets.
The operations spanned seven locations across Keonjhar, Angul, and Nayagarh districts, uncovering a staggering array of properties and assets linked to Nayak and his family.
The raids targeted Nayak’s official residence and office in Keonjhar, his ancestral home in Madanmohanpatna, Angul, his father-in-law’s residence in Jagannathpur, Angul, a four-story building in Turanga, Angul, his son’s residence in Komanda, Nayagarh, and his son’s office at a primary health centre in Nayagarh.
Preliminary findings revealed assets including 115 plots (53 in Nayak’s name, 42 in his wife’s, 16 in his two sons’ names, and 4 in his daughter’s), ₹1.19 lakh in cash, two high-value four-wheelers, and four two-wheelers. Additionally, investigations into bank deposits and other assets registered under family members’ names are ongoing.
Nayak, who joined the Forest Department as a Range Officer in 1992, allegedly amassed this wealth between then and 2024. The raids, conducted under a search warrant issued by the Keonjhar Special Vigilance Judge, involved three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), ten Inspectors, and other staff. Authorities are probing the source of Nayak’s wealth, suspecting it exceeds his known income sources.
This case has sparked public outrage, raising questions about corruption in public service. The Vigilance Department continues its investigation, with more details expected as the probe deepens.
