Odisha Vigilance on Saturday intercepted a forest official and seized ₹2.33 lakh in suspected unaccounted cash during a surprise operation in southern Odisha.
The official, identified as Sukumar Dukhu, serves as Forest Range Officer of Gudari Range in Rayagada.
Interception Near Indravati Bridge
According to official sources, the vigilance team acted on credible intelligence and intercepted Dukhu near Indravati Bridge in Nabarangpur while he was travelling in an official vehicle.
The officer was reportedly en route from Gudari to his residence located in Senapati Street, Nabarangpur.
Cash Seized After Unsatisfactory Explanation
During the check, officials recovered ₹2.33 lakh in cash from his possession. As the officer could not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source of the money, the amount was treated as suspected ill-gotten cash.
Authorities subsequently seized the entire cash along with the official vehicle, a Bolero bearing registration number OD18K-7041.
Simultaneous Searches Underway
Following the interception, vigilance officials launched simultaneous searches at three locations linked to the officer as part of a disproportionate assets (DA) investigation.
Officials confirmed that the searches are ongoing and further details will be shared as the investigation progresses.
Investigation Continues
The case is being examined from multiple angles, including possible disproportionate assets and misuse of official position. Authorities have stated that appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing probe.
