Odisha: Chief Construction Engineer in Vig Net; 85 plots, Rs 11 lakh Cash Unearthed

Bhubaneswar: A Chief Construction Engineer has come under the scanner of the Odisha Vigilance for allegedly possessing disproportionate to his known source of income.

The Vigilance sleuths raided the properties of Pravas Kumar Pradhan, as Chief Construction Engineer, Baitarni Barrage Division, Salapada, Keonjhar, A/p Superintending Engineer(SE) of Irrigation, Balasore Division, Balasore.

During the raids, the Vigilance sleuths unearthed 85 plots valued over Rs 2 crore, Rs 11,70,980 cash and gold ornaments belonging to the Chief Construction Engineer.

The simultaneous house searches are being conducted by the Vigilance team comprising 2 Addl. SPs., 4 DSPs,6 Inspectors, 7 ASIs and other supporting staff on the strength of search warrants issued by Special Judge, Vigilance, Balasore at following 7 places in Balasore district.

During house searches so far, the following assets have been unearthed in the name of Pradhan and his family members;

1. One five storeyed building with area approx. 12,500 sqft located at Jaleswar .
2. One newly constructed RCC roofed building with boundary wall and market complex spread over approx 5650 sqft at Gobara Ghat, Jaleswar, Balasore.
3. 85 plots, of which 80 plots in Jaleswar, 4 plots in Delanga Puri, and 1 plot in Sunakania, West Bengal.
The above plots were purchased by Sri Pradhan in different years in his name as well as in name of his family members. The total registered sale deed value comes to over Rs. 2 crores. However, the actual value is likely to be higher, which is being verified.
The measurement and valuation/assessment of the above buildings, and plots are being carried out by Vigilance Technical Wing.
5. Cash Rs.11,70,980/-
6. Gold approx. 218 gms including one gold biscuit.
7. Bank, Postal, Insurance & other deposits are being ascertained.
8. One Four Wheeler (Indica) and one two wheeler ( Honda Activa)