Odisha: Vigilance detects 42 plots, ornaments worth crores of rupees following raids on engineer’s residences
By C.R.Beura
Bhubaneswar, Aug. 6: The officials of the Odisha vigilance department on Monday detected 42 plots following raids on the properties linked to Pradeep Rath, additional chief engineer of Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC), Road & Building, Cuttack circle.
Simultaneous searches were conducted on the properties of Rath at multiple places.
Apart from 42 plots, the Vigilance detected two multi-storeyed buildings, two high-value flats in Bhubaneswar, one medicine store and a crusher unit along with two JCBs and one excavator.
Senior officials said that the 42 plots are in upscale areas of Bhubaneswar, Khurdha, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts. As many as 32 plots were detected in Jajpur district alone in the name of Rath and his family members.
“The plots were purchased by Rath in different years in his and the names of his family members. The total registered sale deed value comes to over Rs 1.5 crore. However the actual value is likely to be higher, which is being verified,” said Vigilance in a release.
Vigilance officials further informed that details regarding fixed deposit and post office have been estimated to be around Rs 88 lakh.
Sources said the anti-corruption wing also seized gold ornaments weighing around one kilogram and silver jewellery of around 500 grams. Besides, costly watches and other luxury items were also seized.
