Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance Department has made significant discoveries during ongoing raids on properties linked to Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer, Plan Roads, RW Department, Bhubaneswar.
The investigations have revealed that an approximate amount of Rs 2.70 crores has been invested in the share market, further adding to the substantial assets uncovered during the searches.
The searches, conducted across seven locations in Angul, Bhubaneswar, and Pipili (Puri), have uncovered substantial assets, including:
- Cash Seized: Rs 2.52 crores, concealed in various locations, including a carton
- Double-storeyed buildings: Two, located at Karadagadia and Matia Sahi, Angul
- Flats: Two, including Flat No. C-102 in PDN Exotica, Dumduma, Bhubaneswar (1530 sqft), and another at Siula, Pipili, Puri (1100 sqft)
- Plots: Seven high-value plots on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar and Angul
- Share market: Approximately Rs 2.70 crores
- Bank and insurance deposits: Rs 1.5 crores
- Vehicles: One four-wheeler (Maruti Swift ZXI)
Other assets: One locker at Axis Bank, Angul, in the name of Sarangi’s wife, still to be opened
The raids were initiated due to allegations of possession of disproportionate assets beyond known sources of income. The investigation is ongoing, with the Vigilance Technical Wing assessing the value of the seized assets.
It is pertinent to mention that Sarangi’s journey in government service began as a Stipendiary Engineer in the Panchayati Raj Department, where he was initially posted to the Kaniha Block on a consolidated pay of Rs 2,000 per month. During this period, he gained valuable experience working in various blocks across Odisha until July 1999.
On October 15, 1999, Sarangi was regularized as an Assistant Engineer and posted to the PWD Division in Sundargarh. He continued to serve in different PWD divisions and the RD Sub-Division in Talcher until 2012.
His dedication and expertise led to further promotions, including his appointment as Assistant Executive Engineer in 2014, posted to the RD Sub-Division in Athamallik. He was subsequently promoted to Executive Engineer in October 2016, serving in the RD Division in Deogarh.
Sarangi’s career progression continued with his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer in January 2023. Most recently, he assumed the role of Chief Engineer, Plan Roads, RW Department, Odisha, Bhubaneswar, a position he has held since February 2025.
