Odisha’s anti-corruption watchdog struck hard on Wednesday, conducting simultaneous raids at multiple sites connected to Rajesh Chandra Mohanty, a senior Water Resources Department official serving as Additional Chief Engineer for Dam Safety. Accusations of possessing assets disproportionate to his declared income triggered the high-stakes operation.
The meticulously planned searches covered key spots: a grand three-floor house in Baramunda, Bhubaneswar; ancestral property in Kolhasinha, Jajpur; a family member’s residence in Dhenkanal’s Jubilee Town; Mohanty’s official office; a sprawling two-story setup and farmhouse on 1.71 acres in Bhapur; and an associate’s home in Cuttack’s Nayabazar area.
A robust team comprising an ASP, DSPs, inspectors, and other personnel executed the raids, authorized by the Cuttack Special Vigilance Court.
Windfall discoveries included prime real estate like a posh Bhubaneswar high-rise, expansive farmland plots across districts, hefty bank balances over Rs 1.7 crore, substantial cash holdings, gold ornaments totaling 350 grams, and luxury vehicles.
Interrogation of Mohanty is underway to unravel the funding sources. Sources suggest additional properties may surface, potentially escalating the scandal’s scale.
This bold Vigilance move highlights the state’s zero-tolerance stance on graft. It comes amid a broader campaign trapping several errant officials, reinforcing accountability in bureaucracy. The outcome could set precedents for future enforcement against unexplained wealth.
