Bhubaneswar: Chief Engineer (Roads) in the Rural Development Department Baikuntha Nath Sarangi was arrested today by Odisha Vigilance after investigations revealed that he possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income by a staggering 483%.
According to an official press release, the arrest came just a day before Sarangi’s scheduled retirement. He was produced before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Angul, following extensive raids carried out across Angul, Bhubaneswar, and Puri. The seizures include:
- Rs 2.56 crore in cash, including Rs 30 lakh hidden in a carton box
- Two double-storey buildings in Angul
- Flats in Bhubaneswar and Puri
- Seven prime land plots
- 1.14 kg of gold ornaments
- Investments worth Rs 2.7 crore in mutual funds, shares, and insurance
- Bank deposits exceeding Rs 1.5 crore
- 15 imported luxury watches and household items valued at Rs 47.57 lakh
- One car and a two-wheeler
A detailed calculation of Sarangi’s income, expenses, and assets revealed that he owned wealth grossly disproportionate to his lawful earnings.
He has been booked under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(b)/12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (Amendment, 2018).
Vigilance sources also confirmed that Sarangi’s wife is under the scanner, with several assets reportedly registered in the names of family members.
The investigation is ongoing.
