Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 The Odisha vigilance department on Tuesday unearthed 35 plots, two buildings, a market complex, a godown, Rs 2.98 lakh cash and other assets from the possession of a panchayat executive officer (PEO) in Bargarh district, officials said.
Acting on a tip-off, vigilance officers launched raids at six locations on the properties of Kartikeswar Behera, PEO, Katabhal panchayat in Bargarh district this morning.
During the search operation, the vigilance found a double-storeyed building, an under-construction building, a market complex, a godown, 35 plots, Rs 2.98 lakh cash, one four-wheeler, a tractor and four motorcycles, officials said.
Besides, gold, household articles, etc worth around Rs 3.70 lakh and mahua flower worth Rs 22 lakh stored in the godown were found, the vigilance officials said, adding that further inquiry is in progress.
Behera joined government service in July 1994 as secretary of Gaisilet GP with an initial salary of Rs 500 per month. In 2009, he was promoted to the rank of PEO. He has been serving for over 30 years in the Bargarh district, and his present salary is Rs 52,320, they said.
(PTI News)
