Apparently frightened by a sudden crackdown on his alleged ill-gotten property, a constable working with the district police fled from his residence in a dramatic manner in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha on Tuesday.
In a scene straight out from an action film, Nihar Ranjan Dandpat, who was posted at the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP), Mayurbhanj, fled from his house in the blink of an eye by jumping off the balcony when the vigilance sleuths were carrying out searches on his property.
The raids were conducted by the Cuttack Vigilance cell on the allegation of acquisition of disproportionate assets by Dandpat.
Simultaneous raids were conducted at seven locations linked to the accused constable by as many as seven teams of Vigilance comprising nine DSPs, five inspectors, five ASIs and other staff.
During the searches, movable and immovable properties to the tune of Rs 1.27 crore have been unearthed, the Vigilance said in a press release.
The Vigilance teams also found evidence on running of a Gas Agency namely Hota Enterprises by the accused. At least 350 filled LPG Gas cylinders and 543 empty cylinders have been seized during the raid.
Moreover, evidence of running of a transportation business has also been found. As many as 19 vehicles including three trucks (all Ashok Leyland), 10 trolley Autos, two cars (1 Volkswagen and 1 Renault), four bikes reportedly owned by the constable have been detected so far.
He was also running a Computer business namely Cyber Outlook at Ambika Temple area in Baripada where stock verification is going on.
Sources said Dandpat had applied for retirement a few days ago.