Odisha Vigilance is investigating Dayanidhi Bagh, Joint Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development in Bhubaneswar, on allegations of accumulating assets disproportionate to his known income. This follows the arrest of four watershed wing officials in Rayagada district in May for allegedly misappropriating approximately Rs 20 lakh of government funds. The misappropriation occurred during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 financial years under the MGNREGS scheme, where funds were misused without the completion of farm ponds in Kashipur block. Raids are currently underway at eight locations in Bhubaneswar, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, based on search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna. The search operations involve a team of 10 DSPs, 8 inspectors, and other supporting staff, targeting Bagh’s residences, including his house in Kalahandi and properties in Bhubaneswar and Nabarangpur.
