Odisha Vigilance conducts simultaneous raids on Forester in Kalahandi over disproportionate assets allegations

Odisha Vigilance conducted searches in Kalahandi district related to Forester Bhagbat Bhusan Behera's alleged possession of disproportionate assets.

20 Feb 2026 08:25 IST

Odisha Vigilance conducts simultaneous raids on Forester in Kalahandi over disproportionate assets allegations (Enhanced using AI) Photograph: (OTV)

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The Odisha Vigilance on Friday carried out simultaneous searches at three locations in Kalahandi district in connection with the alleged possession of disproportionate assets (DA) by Bhagbat Bhusan Behera, a Forester under the Bhawanipatna Forest Range.

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The anti-corruption action was initiated following credible inputs that Behera had allegedly amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Acting on search warrants issued by the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna, multiple teams of officials launched coordinated raids early in the morning.

The search operation is being conducted by a team comprising four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), seven Inspectors, four Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and other supporting staff.

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According to Vigilance sources, searches are underway at three premises linked to the forester. These include his triple-storeyed residential building at Hill Town in Bhawanipatna, a residential house belonging to his brother at Deundi village under the Kalopala area within Junagarh police limits, and his office chamber at Bhatangpadar Forest Section under the Bhawanipatna Forest Range in Forest North Division, Kalahandi.

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Officials are scrutinising documents, financial records, and details of movable and immovable assets during the ongoing operation. The Vigilance department stated that details regarding assets detected, if any, will be shared after the completion of searches and assessment.

The investigation is currently underway, and further updates are awaited.

Properties Recovered So Far

During house searches so far, the following assets have been unearthed in the name of Sri Behera and his family members;

1. One triple storeyed building with area approx 5300 Sqft. located at Hill Town, Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi constructed in the year 2022-24.

2. 1 four wheeler (TOYOTA Urban Cruiser) and 1 two wheeler.

3. 2 Kubota Harvester machines, 4 Tractors and 1 Bolero (all benami) are under verification.

4. 9 Nos. of valuable plots in and around Bhawanipatna town. Details as under:

i) One plot vide No.238, Khata No.107 with area Ac 0.09 dcml. at Mauza-Duarsuni, Bhawanipatna.

ii) One plot vide No.237, Khata No.100 with area Ac 0.01 dcml. at Mauza-Duarsuni, Bhawanipatna.

iii) Two plots vide No.262/484 & 262/490, Khata No.134/152 with area Ac 0.10 dcml. at Mauza-Duarsuni, Bhawanipatna.

iv) One plot vide No.98, Khata No.57 with area Ac 0.163 dcml. at Mauza-Gandabandhupola, Bhawanipatna.

v) Two plots vide No.70/500 & 70/501, Khata No.72/205 with area Ac 0.425 dcml. at Mauza-Jamuna Sagar, Bhawanipatna.

vi) Two plots vide No.71/498 & 70/499, Khata No.72/204 with area Ac 0.425 dcml. at Mauza-Jamuna Sagar, Bhawanipatna.

The measurement and valuation/assessment of the above building/plots are being carried out by Vigilance Technical Wing.

5. Gold ornaments approx. 210 gms.

6. Bank, Postal deposits and other investments etc. are being ascertained.

7. One locker being operated in name of Sri Behera at Central Bank of India, Bhawanipatna Branch is still to be opened.

Odisha Vigilance DA Case