In a major anti-corruption action, the Odisha Vigilance on Friday carried out simultaneous searches at three locations in Kalahandi district over allegations of disproportionate assets (DA) against Forester Bhagbat Bhusan Behera, posted under the Bhawanipatna Forest Range.
The operation was launched following credible inputs suggesting that the forester had allegedly accumulated assets beyond his known sources of income. Acting on search warrants issued by the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna, multiple teams of officials began coordinated raids early in the morning.
According to Vigilance sources, the searches are being conducted by a team comprising four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), seven Inspectors, four Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and other supporting staff.
The raids are underway at three premises linked to the accused official:
A triple-storeyed residential building at Hill Town in Bhawanipatna
A house belonging to his brother at Deundi village under Kalopala area within Junagarh police limits
His office chamber at Bhatangpadar Forest Section under the Bhawanipatna Forest Range in Forest North Division, Kalahandi
Officials are examining documents, financial records, bank details, and records of movable and immovable properties during the ongoing search operation.
The Vigilance department stated that the exact value and nature of assets detected, if any, will be disclosed after completion of the searches and detailed assessment.
