​From Rs 6,000 salary to crorepati: Odisha junior engineer’s empire under vigilance scanner after search​

Odisha Vigilance has unearthed assets worth crores during searches linked to Baikuntha Nath Behera, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) at ITDA, Baliguda. Behera began his government career in August 1999 as a junior engineer with a monthly salary of Rs 6,000. Investigators are now examining whether the wealth accumulated over the years is disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Acting on allegations of disproportionate assets, Odisha Vigilance launched simultaneous searches at nine locations across Bhubaneswar, Jajpur, Baripada and Baliguda. The operation involved two Additional SPs, five DSPs, six inspectors and other staff. Searches were conducted on the strength of warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.

Among the most striking discoveries were four multi-storeyed residential buildings in prime areas of Bhubaneswar. Officials detected properties in Niladri Vihar, Sailashree Vihar, Kanan Vihar and Chandrasekharpur. The structures are being measured and assessed by the Vigilance Technical Wing to determine their market value.

One of the largest properties uncovered during the raid is a four-storeyed building spread over around 10,500 sq ft in Niladri Vihar, Chandrasekharpur. The property is located in one of Bhubaneswar’s prominent residential localities. Vigilance officials are evaluating its value as part of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators have so far traced 14 plots allegedly linked to Behera and his family members. Eight of these are located in Bhubaneswar, while five are in Jajpur’s Dharmasala area and one in Baripada. The final valuation of these land parcels is expected to significantly impact the overall asset assessment.

A major breakthrough in the operation came with the recovery of Rs 2.04 crore in cash. Bundles of currency were found during house searches conducted by Vigilance officials. The agency is examining financial records to establish the source and legitimacy of the recovered money.

Apart from cash and immovable assets, officials detected 341 grams of gold and deposits worth Rs 45 lakh. The findings add another layer to the probe into Behera's financial dealings. Vigilance authorities believe the value of the assets may rise further as searches continue.

Officials are currently questioning Behera regarding the source of the assets detected during the raids. The anti-corruption agency has indicated that more properties could surface as the investigation progresses. With valuation work still underway, the total worth of the assets is expected to become clearer in the coming days.