In a dramatic anti-corruption operation just a day before his retirement on Friday, Odisha Vigilance Directorate raided the residence of Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, a Chief Engineer in the Rural Development Department, seizing Rs 2.56 crore in cash, luxury items and assets worth crores.
The case has stunned the Citizen as to hide evidence; Sarangi allegedly threw bundles of Rs 500 notes out of the window of his flat in Bhubaneswar upon spotting Vigilance officials approaching.
An official stated, “He threw bundles of cash in ₹500 denomination through the window of his flat in Bhubaneswar. The cash was recovered in the presence of witnesses.”
What Was Seized in the Odisha Engineer house Raid?
According to officials, the Odisha Vigilance team conducted simultaneous searches at seven locations linked to Sarangi — including properties in Angul, Bhubaneswar, and Pipili. The search unearthed:
- Rs 2.56 crore in cash
- Two multi-storey buildings
- Two luxury flats
- Seven high-value land plots
- Bank deposits worth Rs 1.5 crore
- Investments in shares and mutual funds worth Rs 2.7 crore
- 1.1 kilograms of gold
- 15 imported high-end wristwatches
Officials confirmed that the searches is going on, and more assets may be uncovered as the investigation progresses.
Disproportionate Assets Case Under Scrutiny
Vigilance Director Yeshwant Kumar Jethwa stated that Sarangi’s recovered assets appeared to be disproportionate to his known sources of income. “We had received reliable inputs and conducted searches accordingly. The cash was recovered following SOP after the accused attempted to dispose of it,” Jethwa said.
Career History of Baikuntha Nath Sarangi
- Sarangi began his career in 1991 as a stipendiary engineer, earning just Rs 2,000 per month.
- Over three decades, he climbed the ranks and was promoted to Additional Chief Engineer in January 2023 and then to Chief Engineer in February 2024.
Officials have indicated that Sarangi is likely to be arrested on Saturday, following formal charges related to possession of disproportionate assets and potential money laundering.