Bhubaneswar, May 31, 2025 – In a major anti-corruption operation, Odisha Vigilance officials seized over ₹2.1 crore in unaccounted cash during raids at multiple locations linked to Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer (Plan Roads) of the Rural Works Department, Bhubaneswar.
The searches were conducted following allegations that Sarangi possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Engineer Caught Trying to Dispose of Cash
In a dramatic turn of events, officials said Sarangi tried to throw bundles of ₹500 notes out of the window of his Bhubaneswar flat upon spotting the Vigilance team.
ओडिशा : चीफ इंजीनियर ने खिड़की से फेंकी नोटों की गड्डियां
◆ चीफ इंजीनियर बैकुंठ नाथ सारंगी के कई ठिकानों पर विजिलेंस विभाग की टीम ने छापेमारी करने
◆ भ्रष्टाचार और आय से अधिक संपत्ति मामले में सांरगी के पास से 2 करोड़ रुपये से अधिक की नकदी बरामद की गई#Odisha | Baikunth… pic.twitter.com/MaAfKgSY1a— News24 (@news24tvchannel) May 30, 2025
“On seeing the Vigilance officers, Sri Sarangi threw cash bundles through the window of his flat. These were recovered in the presence of witnesses by the search team,” officials confirmed.
Raids Across Three Districts
Surprise raids were carried out simultaneously at seven locations across Bhubaneswar, Angul, and Pipili (Puri). Key findings include:
- ₹1 crore recovered from a flat in Dumduma, Bhubaneswar
- ₹1.1 crore seized from a double-storeyed residence in Karadagadia, Angul
Locations Under Investigation
The premises searched included:
- A double-storeyed house in Angul
- A flat in Bhubaneswar
- A flat in Siula, Puri
- A relative’s house in Angul
- Sarangi’s paternal home and double-storeyed ancestral building in Angul
- His office chamber at the Chief Engineer’s office in Bhubaneswar
Large-Scale Vigilance Operation
The large-scale operation was led by a team consisting of:
- 8 Deputy Superintendents of Police
- 12 Inspectors
- 6 Assistant Sub-Inspectors
- Several other staff members
The searches were conducted under valid search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Angul. Cash recovered is being counted using money counting machines, and officials have confirmed the total seized amount is approximately ₹2.1 crore. Further investigation is underway, and Vigilance officials are expected to look into Sarangi’s financial records and assets to assess the extent of the alleged corruption.
This much cash has been recovered from the chief engineer of the Odisha Rural Works Division. Yes, from a government engineer's house.🙃 pic.twitter.com/F5rMGqLweB
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) May 30, 2025
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