New Delhi : Odisha Vigilance officials on Friday seized unaccounted cash worth over Rs 2.1 crore during searches at multiple locations linked to Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer (Plan Roads), Rural Works Department, Bhubaneswar.
Sarangi allegedly attempted to dispose of the cash by throwing bundles of Rs 500 notes out of the window of his flat in Bhubaneswar. “On seeing the vigilance officers, Sri Sarangi threw cash bundles of Rs 500 notes through the window of his flat.
The surprise searches were conducted simultaneously at seven locations in Bhubaneswar, Angul, and Pipili (Puri). Around Rs 1 crore was recovered from a flat in Dumduma, Bhubaneswar, while approximately Rs 1.1 crore was found at his double-storeyed residence in Karadagadia, Angul district.
The extensive operation was led by eight Deputy Superintendents of Police, 12 Inspectors, six Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and several other personnel. The searches were carried out under search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Angul.
Premises under scrutiny include: a double-storeyed residential house in Angul, a Flat in Bhubaneswara, a flat at Siula in Puri, a relative’s house in Angul, Sarangi’s paternal house in Angul, a double-storeyed paternal building in Angul, his office chamber at the Chief Engineer’s office, Bhubaneswar. Counting of the seized cash is being conducted using counting machines.