Odisha's Vigilance Department recovered Rs 2.1 crore in cash during coordinated raids at multiple properties belonging to Baikunth Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer of the state's Rural Development Department. The operation, conducted on Friday, revealed such vast amounts of currency that officials were forced to deploy counting machines and assign seven to eight staff members exclusively to tally the notes. According to report, Baikunth Nath Sarangi is due to retire on May 31.
The raids were initiated following complaints about Sarangi's disproportionate assets, with a Special Vigilance Judge authorising searches across seven locations. A substantial team comprising eight DSPs, twelve inspectors, and six sub-inspectors carried out the operation. In a desperate attempt to conceal evidence, Sarangi allegedly began throwing bundles of Rs 500 notes from the window of his Bhubaneswar flat upon realising the arrival of the Vigilance team.
Among the properties searched were a two-storey house in Karadagadia (Angul), a flat in Bhubaneswar's Dumduma area, and another property in Puri's Siula. The bulk of the cash - Rs 1 crore - was recovered from the Bhubaneswar flat, while the remaining ₹1.1 crore was found at the Angul residence. Vigilance officials have described the discovery of such significant cash reserves as a serious corruption case and are investigating the sources of Sarangi's wealth.
Authorities are now examining whether the Chief Engineer's assets align with his known income sources. While no arrests have been made yet, the case has brought renewed attention to corruption within Odisha's bureaucratic circles. The Vigilance Department continues its investigation to determine the full extent of the alleged financial irregularities.
