Odisha Vigilance conducts DA searches at four locations linked to Additional Tehsildar in Cuttack

Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday conducted simultaneous searches at four locations linked to Jitendra Kumar Panda, Additional Tehsildar of Baranga tehsil in Cuttack district, in connection with allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

According to official sources, the searches were launched following the registration of a case by the Vigilance department. The operation is being carried out based on search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.

A multi-member Vigilance team led by four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) has been deployed for the searches. The team comprises seven Inspectors, one Sub-Inspector, eight Assistant Sub-Inspectors and other supporting staff.

As part of the operation, Vigilance officials are conducting searches at two residential properties in Bhubaneswar, including a triple-storeyed building at Gopaluni Nagar in the Badagada area and another triple-storeyed building at Badagada Brit Colony. In addition, a double-storeyed building at Sanapalla in Khordha district is also being searched.

Apart from the residential properties, searches are also underway at the office chamber of Panda at the Baranga Tehsildar’s office in Cuttack district to verify official records and other relevant documents.

Sources said the searches are aimed at assessing the movable and immovable assets of the officer and comparing them with his known sources of income. Documents, valuables, and other materials recovered during the searches are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

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The search operations were continuing at the time of filing this report. Vigilance officials said further details would be shared after the completion of the searches and scrutiny of the seized materials.