Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Friday conducted simultaneous raids on the houses and property of Santosh Kumar Darjee, General Manager of Tata Power Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) on the allegation of acquisition of disproportionate assets.
Separate teams of the anti-corruption agency led by one DSP, six Inspectors, two ASIs, and other staff, on the strength of Search Warrants issued by Special Judge Vigilance, Sambalpur, conducted searches at the following three places in Sambalpur and Bargarh district.
1) Residential building located at Pradhanpara, Sambalpur
2) Office of Darjee at Burla Corporate Office, Sambalpur
3) Native village at Atabira, Bargarh
It is suspected that Darjee has purchased assets outside the State from ill-gotten money amassed in Odisha. Assets unearthed so far include:
1. One Duplex house in the name of his spouse at Sector 12, Atal Nagar, Raipur in Chhattisgarh.
2. Cash Rs 7, 20, 360/-
3. A palatial double-storeyed Building at Sambalpur.
4. 2 plots in prime area of Ainthapali, Sambalpur.
5. 2 four-wheelers (Volkswagen and Hyundai Verna) worth approx Rs 20.59 Lakh
6. 2 two-wheelers ( Yamaha R-3, Suzuki Burgman Street) worth approx Rs 4.61 Lakh
7. 2 Lockers at Axis and HDFC Bank including Bank deposits are under verification.
The TPWODL stated that it is looking into the case and is in touch with the State Vigilance on this matter. “The bribery charge against the said GM is a matter of serious concern for us and against the work ethics of TPWODL. We have already initiated an internal enquiry through a high-level committee comprising of seniormost officials. A strict action will be taken against the erring in line with service rules and regulations, TPWODL CEO Gajanan Kale said.
