Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23 (UDN): An ongoing disproportionate assets (DA) investigation by Odisha Vigilance has brought the property holdings of Bargarh Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) Kartikeswar Behera under scrutiny, with investigators so far identifying 30 plots and several buildings allegedly linked to him and his family.
Behera, currently posted as PEO of Katabhal Gram Panchayat under Gaisilet Block, entered government service in 1994 with a reported monthly salary of Rs 500. His present monthly salary is around Rs 52,320, according to the information available in the case.
The Vigilance action is aimed at determining whether the assets identified during the searches can be accounted for through his known and lawful sources of income.
Multiple Properties Under Valuation
During the searches, the Vigilance team reportedly identified a number of properties, including a double-storeyed residential building measuring around 4,800 sq ft at Kandagada.
Investigators also traced a four-storeyed building under construction at Gaisilet, along with a market complex measuring around 2,400 sq ft and a 1,500-sq-ft godown at Kandagada.
In addition, officials have identified 30 plots in and around Gaisilet and Kandagada.
The searches also resulted in the recovery of approximately Rs 2.98 lakh in cash from Behera’s residential premises.
Vigilance Assessing Actual Value
The discovery of the properties has prompted investigators to examine the source of funds used for their acquisition and construction. However, the actual monetary value of the assets has not yet been established.
The Vigilance Department’s Technical Wing is undertaking measurement and valuation of the buildings, plots and other properties identified during the searches.
Investigators are also examining Behera’s bank accounts, deposits, investments and other financial records to determine his total assets and liabilities.
Final Extent of Assets Yet to Be Established
The ongoing probe will determine whether the assets identified so far are disproportionate to Behera’s known sources of income.
Officials are expected to arrive at the final value of the properties only after completing the technical assessment and scrutiny of financial documents.
The Vigilance investigation is continuing, and the extent of any alleged disproportionate assets will be clear only after the valuation and financial examination are completed.