Vigilance Unearths Crore Assets in Odisha Forester Raids, Probe Intensifies
In a significant crackdown on alleged corruption, Vigilance officials in Odisha on Friday conducted simultaneous house searches at three locations linked to Bhagbat Bhusan Behera, a forester of the Bhatangpadar forest section under the Bhawanipatna forest range in Kalahandi district. The operation led to the discovery of assets valued at crores of rupees, raising serious questions about disproportionate wealth accumulation.
Massive Asset Portfolio Uncovered
According to an official Vigilance release, the assets detected so far include a triple-storied residential building located at Hill Town in Bhawanipatna. This substantial property was constructed between 2022 and 2024, covering an approximate area of 5,300 square feet and is valued at around Rs 1.36 crore.
In addition to the residential building, the vigilance teams identified nine valuable plots in and around Bhawanipatna. The measurement and valuation of these land parcels are currently being carried out by the vigilance technical wing, with further details expected as the investigation progresses.
Financial Holdings and Valuables Seized
The search operations yielded substantial financial assets and valuables, including:
- Bank, postal, and insurance deposits amounting to Rs 30.64 lakh
- Gold jewellery weighing approximately 230 grams
- Silver ornaments totaling about 250 grams
- Cash and household articles valued at around Rs 11.15 lakh
Vehicles and Suspected Benami Assets Under Scrutiny
Officials further revealed that several vehicles and machinery are under verification as suspected benami assets. These include:
- Two harvester machines
- One tipper vehicle
- Four tractors
- One SUV
Additionally, one car and one motorcycle, together worth approximately Rs 12 lakh, were also found during the searches. The vigilance department is working to determine the legitimate ownership of these assets.
Multi-Location Search Operation Details
The comprehensive searches were conducted at three specific locations:
- Behera's triple-storeyed residence at Hill Town, Bhawanipatna
- The house of his brother at Deundi under Junagarh police station
- His office chamber at the Bhatangpadar forest section
Three dedicated teams participated in the operation, comprising:
- Four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs)
- Seven inspectors
- Four Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs)
- Other supporting staff members
Forester's Service Background and Salary History
According to the Vigilance release, Bhagbat Bhusan Behera joined government service on August 20, 2000, as a forest guard under the Divisional Forest Officer (North) in Kalahandi. His initial salary at that time was just Rs 3,000 per month.
Behera was promoted to the rank of forester on March 5, 2024, and has been serving in various forest ranges across Kalahandi district for over 25 years. The significant disparity between his known income sources and the assets uncovered during the raids has become a focal point of the ongoing investigation.
The Vigilance department continues its probe to determine the source of these substantial assets and whether they correspond with Behera's legitimate income over his decades of government service.
