Odisha Vigilance Raids 6 Locations of Bargarh PEO over Disproportionate Assets

Manoj Kanta Dash,Odishabarta

BARGARH: The Odisha Vigilance department conducted simultaneous raids on Tuesday at six locations associated with Kartikeswar Behera, the Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Katabhal Gram Panchayat in Bargarh district, following allegations of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Behera, who also holds charge as PEO for Firingimal and Gourenmunda Gram Panchayats under Gaisilet Block, is currently drawing a monthly salary of Rs.52,320.

Multi-Storey Buildings, Land Plots, and Cash Unearthed

The operation, led by five DSPs, eight Inspectors, two ASIs, and supporting staff, was executed on the strength of search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bargarh.

During the ongoing searches, officials unearthed significant immovable and movable properties linked to Behera and his family members, including:

• Two Multi-Storey Buildings: A double-storey residential building (approx. 4,800 sq. ft.) at Kandagarh and an under-construction four-storey building at Gaisilet.
• Commercial Properties: A 2,400 sq. ft. market complex containing six rooms and a 1,500 sq. ft. godown with three rooms, both located at Kandagarh.
• Land Holdings: 30 land plots situated near Gaisilet and Kandagarh in Bargarh district.
• Cash & Investments: Cash amounting to ₹2,98,177 seized from his residence. Further bank deposits and financial investments are currently being verified.

Engineers from the Vigilance Technical Wing are carrying out official measurements and evaluations of the buildings, commercial spaces, and land plots.

Over 30 Years of Service in Bargarh

According to official records, Behera (born January 11, 1970) joined government service in July 1994 as Secretary of Gaisilet GP on an initial monthly salary of ₹500. He was promoted to Village Level Worker (VLW) in June 2009—a post later redesignated as PEO in 2012. He has been serving as the PEO of Katabhal GP since 2024, completing over 30 years of service within Bargarh district.

Vigilance officials stated that search operations are still underway, and a final report detailing total valuations and financial disclosures will follow.