Odisha MVI who purchased 31 plots arrested by Vigilance

The Odisha Vigilance Directorate on Wednesday arrested Nayagarh Motor Vehicles Inspector (MVI) Panchanan Behera on charges of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

On Tuesday, the Vigilance had informed that Behera was in possession of 31 plots, including 10 benami plots in prime locations of Bhubaneswar. These benami plots have allegedly been purchased in the name of Behera’s relatives. Apart from this, the Vigilance had also detected deposits to the tune of Rs 72 lakh.

“The MVI has been arrested for possessing disproportionate assets which is 293 percent of his known sources of income. He has been produced before the Special Judge, Vigilance,” said Vigilance officials today.

A case against the MVI and his spouse has been registered under sections 13 (2), 13 (1) (b) and 12 of the PC Act, 2018. Earlier, the Vigilance had conducted searches at property linked to the MVI at several places including Khordha and Cuttack districts.

The anti-corruption unit had found bank and insurance deposits worth Rs72.80 lakhs, cash, gold, and household articles worth over Rs 15 lakhs. The MVI had paid Rs 50 lakhs towards the medical education of his son.