Bhubaneswar, June 8: In a significant development in the disproportionate assets (DA) case involving Baikuntha Nath Behera, Odisha Vigilance has recovered a total of 1.255 kilograms of gold jewellery from bank lockers linked to the government engineer, further strengthening the case against him.

According to Vigilance officials, the latest recovery was made on Monday when investigators opened the fifth bank locker associated with Behera during ongoing searches conducted after his arrest. The search yielded 703 grams of gold jewellery and 375 grams of silver ornaments, adding to the valuables already seized during earlier raids. With the latest discovery, the total quantity of gold recovered from Behera’s possession has risen to 1.255 kg.

Behera, who serves as Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) at the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Baliguda in Kandhamal district, was arrested by Odisha Vigilance on Sunday after investigators allegedly uncovered assets far exceeding his known sources of income. Officials stated that he failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the wealth accumulated in his name and that of his family members.

The Vigilance probe has so far revealed an extensive portfolio of immovable and movable assets. These include five multi-storeyed buildings with a combined built-up area exceeding 20,000 square feet, including four luxurious residential buildings in Bhubaneswar. Investigators have also identified 14 high-value plots, cash exceeding ₹2.04 crore, and bank deposits worth approximately ₹45 lakh.

Officials said the valuation of recovered assets and scrutiny of financial transactions are continuing. The case is being viewed as one of the most significant disproportionate assets investigations involving a government engineer in Odisha in recent years. Further inquiries are underway.

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