Odisha Vigilance Court Orders Seizure of Rs 2.5 Crore in Disproportionate Assets
In a significant ruling against corruption, a special vigilance court in Bhubaneswar has mandated the confiscation of assets valued at around Rs 2.5 crore from retired executive engineer Simadri Nayak. The order, issued on Tuesday, targets properties deemed disproportionate to his known sources of income, marking a decisive step in a case that has spanned over a decade.
Details of the Confiscated Properties
According to an official statement released by the Odisha vigilance department, the seized assets encompass a diverse portfolio of real estate and valuables. The properties include:
- A multi-storeyed building located in Rayagada.
- Two separate buildings situated in Nabarangpur.
- Three plots of land, with one in Rayagada town and two in Nabarangpur town.
- Substantial bank deposits and a collection of gold ornaments.
These assets collectively approximate Rs 2.5 crore in value, highlighting the scale of the alleged financial irregularities.
Background and Legal Proceedings
The case against Simadri Nayak, who served as an executive engineer in the rural works department, and his wife was formally registered on May 12, 2009. The vigilance authorities initiated proceedings after uncovering evidence suggesting the accumulation of wealth beyond their legitimate earnings.
After years of legal scrutiny and investigation, the couple faced conviction on December 11, 2023. The court's recent order for confiscation follows this conviction, enforcing the seizure of the identified disproportionate assets as a punitive and corrective measure.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts by Odisha's vigilance framework to combat corruption and ensure accountability among public officials, even post-retirement. The case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for financial misconduct in government roles.
