In one of the biggest anti-corruption operations in recent times, the Odisha Vigilance Directorate has unearthed assets worth several crores — including five multi-storeyed buildings in prime locations, 14 high-value plots, over Rs 2.04 crore in cash, 341 grams of gold and Rs 45 lakh in deposits — from Baikuntha Nath Behera, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) at ITDA Baliguda, Kandhamal.
Simultaneous raids were conducted today at nine locations across Bhubaneswar, Baripada, Dharmasala (Jajpur) and Baliguda on properties belonging to Behera and his family members. The haul, described by officials as “disproportionate to known sources of income,” has left many stunned, especially given Behera’s humble beginning in government service.
The prize catches include four palatial buildings in Bhubaneswar alone:
- A massive four-storeyed structure spanning 10,500 sq ft in Niladri Vihar, Chandrasekharpur.
- A triple-storeyed building of 1,100 sq ft in Sailshree Vihar.
- Two double-storeyed houses — one 3,750 sq ft in Kanan Vihar, Patia (near Baidyanath Memorial Hospital) and another 2,500 sq ft in Chandrasekharpur.
- A fifth double-storeyed 2,500 sq ft building on paternal land at Pandua near Dharmasala College in Jajpur.
Vigilance teams also seized documents of 14 high-value plots — eight in prime Bhubaneswar locations, five in Dharmasala and one in Baripada. Technical experts are now assessing the exact market value of these properties, which is expected to push the total haul even higher.
Cash worth Rs 2,04,14,400 was recovered in bundles, along with 341 grams of gold jewellery and bank deposits of Rs 45 lakh. Searches are still continuing, and officials say more assets could surface.
Behera joined government service on 16 August 1999 as a Junior Engineer (Civil) in Nabarangpur Block with a starting salary of just Rs 6,000. Over the years, he was promoted to Assistant Engineer and finally to AEE in February 2026. He has served in various blocks and ITDAs in Nabarangpur, Udala and now Baliguda.
Nine teams of Odisha Vigilance, led by two Additional SPs, five DSPs and six Inspectors, carried out the searches on the strength of warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar. Behera is currently being questioned to establish the source of the wealth.
The case has once again brought the spotlight on the Vigilance Directorate’s relentless drive against disproportionate assets among public servants. Further updates are awaited as the probe intensifies.
