Raining Cash: Odisha chief engineer throws Rs 500 note bundles out of window during Vigilance raid
PTC Web Desk: In a dramatic turn of events during a high-stakes corruption probe, Odisha Vigilance officials seized over Rs 2.1 crore in unaccounted cash on Friday from multiple properties linked to Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer (Plan Roads) of the Rural Works Department in Bhubaneswar. The action was initiated following allegations of amassing disproportionate assets.
In a desperate attempt to hide evidence, Sarangi allegedly flung bundles of Rs 500 notes out of a window at his Bhubaneswar flat when he spotted vigilance officers approaching. “On seeing the vigilance officers, Sri Sarangi threw cash bundles of Rs 500 notes through the window of his flat. The same was recovered in the presence of witnesses,” said Vigilance officials.
The simultaneous raids were carried out at seven separate locations across Bhubaneswar, Angul, and Pipili (Puri). The massive operation uncovered nearly Rs 1 crore from Sarangi's flat in Dumduma, Bhubaneswar, and approximately Rs ?1.1 crore from his double-storeyed residence in Karadagadia, Angul district.
The search operation was executed with precision by a large team comprising eight Deputy Superintendents of Police, 12 Inspectors, six Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and several other staff members. All searches were conducted under warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Angul.
Vigilance teams used cash counting machines to tally the seized currency, which officials confirmed to be around Rs 2.1 crore. The counting and verification process is ongoing.
- With inputs from agencies