Bhubaneswar, Aug 23: Vigilance officers today arrested Bibhudananda Mishra, the Forest Range Officer of Dhenkanal, following an extensive search of his properties on Thursday. He is scheduled to be presented in court today, according to Vigilance officials.

The arrest comes after the discovery of disproportionate assets, including a high-value flat in Bhubaneswar, two flats in Hyderabad, eight plots in Bhubaneswar and Dhenkanal, and a farmhouse with civil construction valued at approximately Rs 2 crore.

The anti-corruption agency also uncovered bank deposits exceeding Rs 1 crore, Rs 5.15 lakh in cash, 557 grams of gold, and two four-wheeler vehicles. Mishra was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for these assets.

A case has been registered against Mishra in connection with these allegations.

Additionally, officers from the Forest Wing of Odisha Vigilance, along with local Forest staff from Dhenkanal Range, conducted a search at Mishra’s farmhouse in Rahangol, Athagarh, in Cuttack. They registered a case against him for violating the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, by keeping Indian Peafowl (Pavo Cristatus) without permission. Four peafowl were seized and handed over to the local Forest staff for custody.

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