Odisha forester arrested by Vigilance in disproportionate assets case

Odisha Vigilance on Saturday arrested Bhagabat Bhusan Behera, a Forester posted at Bhatangpadar Forest Section under Bhawanipatna Forest Range in Kalahandi district, on charges of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

According to Vigilance officials, Behera was taken into custody following simultaneous searches conducted at multiple locations linked to him. He is scheduled to be produced before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna.

Assets Unearthed During Searches

During the searches, Vigilance officials allegedly detected substantial movable and immovable assets in Behera’s name and in the names of his associates. These include a newly constructed multi-storeyed building, nine high-value plots, and gold ornaments weighing approximately 470 grams.

The officials of the anti-corruption agency also found bank and other deposits amounting to Rs 34.08 lakh.

In addition, several vehicles and heavy machinery suspected to be held benami were traced during the raids. These include two Kubota harvester machines, four tractors, an Ashok Leyland tipper, a BharatBenz Hyva, a Bolero vehicle, and a Toyota car.

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Officials stated that Behera could not satisfactorily explain the source of the assets found during the searches.

Case Registered

In connection with the seizure, the Koraput Vigilance Police Station Case No. 02/2026 has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions pertaining to possession of disproportionate assets.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the assets and verify ownership details, Vigilance sources said.