Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Sept 20: (Odisha Vigilance), On Friday, Odisha Vigilance officials uncovered significant assets during a raid on N.V. Harihara Rao, Chief Engineer at the Chief Construction Engineer’s office in the Rural Works Circle, Balasore. The operation was based on allegations that Rao had accumulated assets disproportionate to his known income sources.
According to a Vigilance release, searches are being conducted at 11 locations across Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Balasore, Keonjhar, and Phulbani, involving teams of 11 DSPs, 7 inspectors, and 11 ASIs, supported by additional staff, under search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.
During the raid, officials discovered Rs 46.45 lakh in cash at the residence of Rao’s brother-in-law, a government doctor stationed at Berhampur Jail.
The assets identified so far in the names of Rao and his family members include:
A double-storey building of over 2,100 sq. ft. in Bhabinipur, Berhampur.
A building of over 3,000 sq. ft. in Patrapada, Bhubaneswar.
A 3-BHK flat at Spectrum Green Apartment, Baidyanathpur, Kamapalli, Berhampur.
Two suspected ‘Benami’ flats—one at Orchid Residency, Sundarpada, Bhubaneswar, and another at Swastik Apartment, Baidyanathnagar, Berhampur (ownership under verification).
Four high-value homestead plots, including two in Bhubaneswar and one in Berhampur.
Bank deposits exceeding Rs 1.11 crore.
Rs 46.45 lakh in cash.
One four-wheeler and one two-wheeler.
The Vigilance Technical Wing is currently measuring and valuing the identified properties. The source of the substantial cash found at his brother-in-law’s residence is also being investigated. Additionally, a locker in the name of his spouse at the SBI Berhampur branch has yet to be opened.
