Odisha Vigilance conducts DA searches at six locations linked to Keonjhar PEO

Odisha Vigilance on Tuesday carried out simultaneous searches at six locations in Keonjhar district in connection with allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to known sources of income against Jitendra Kumar Jena, Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Bancho Gram Panchayat under Hatadihi block.

According to official sources, the searches are being conducted on the basis of warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Keonjhar. A Vigilance team led by four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), assisted by eight Inspectors and other supporting staff, has been deployed to carry out the operation.

The searches are underway at several residential, commercial and official premises linked to the officer. These include a triple-storeyed residential building at Biranchipur in the Mareigaon area under Hatadihi block and a newly constructed double-storeyed market complex at Jagannathpur mouza near Basantia Bazar. Two rented godowns of Maa Saraswati Sales at Basantia Bazar under Hatadihi are also being searched.

In addition, Vigilance officials are conducting searches at an electronics shop named Saraswati Sales at Bidyadharpur, which is stated to be linked to the officer. The paternal house of Jena at village Padhiaripalli under Hatadihi block is also under the Vigilance scanner.

Apart from the residential and commercial establishments, searches are also underway at the office of Bancho Gram Panchayat under Hatadihi block to verify official records and other relevant documents.

Sources said the searches are aimed at assessing the movable and immovable assets of the PEO and verifying whether they are proportionate to his known sources of income. Documents, cash, valuables, and other materials recovered during the searches are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

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