BMC Engineer under scanner as Vigilance conducts simultaneous searches at 4 locations in Odisha

Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday launched simultaneous raids at four different locations linked to Jagannath Pattnaik, Executive Engineer of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), in connection with allegations of possessing disproportionate assets (DA) to his known sources of income.

Acting on credible information and search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar, Vigilance department teams conducted extensive searches early in the morning. The operation is being carried out by a high-level team comprising six Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), ten Inspectors, and other supporting staff.

The locations under search include Pattnaik’s triple-storeyed residential building at Plot No. RP-12, Badagada in Bhubaneswar, a farmhouse located at Mouza Ranapur under Balianta Tahasil in Khordha district, his parental house on Jangam Street in Gunupur (Rayagada district), and his official chamber at the BMC office in Bhubaneswar.

According to Vigilance sources, these searches are part of a wider investigation into the accumulation of wealth that appears to be inconsistent with Pattnaik’s known sources of income. 

The officers are currently examining property documents, bank accounts, lockers, and other relevant financial records. Valuation of the properties is also underway to assess the actual worth of the assets held by the official.

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The searches are still in progress, and Vigilance officials have stated that a detailed report will be released once the operation is complete and assets are thoroughly assessed.