Odisha Vigilance cunducts raids on BEO’s properties in Ganjam

Berhampur: On allegations of possession of disproportionate assets (DA), simultaneous house searches are being conducted by Odisha Vigilance against Sita Ram Patro, the Block Education Officer (BEO) of Chhatrapur, Ganjam district.

The searches are being carried out by a team led by 5 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 4 Inspectors, 5 Sub-Inspectors (SIs) and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), along with other supporting staff. The operations are being executed on the strength of search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Berhampur.

The following six locations in Ganjam district are currently under the scanner:

1. A double-storeyed residential building located at Ramakrushna Nagar, 7th Lane, near Khodasingh, Berhampur.
2. Flat No. 304 at Saradhabali, 1st Lane, Bijay Tower-2, Khodasingh, Berhampur.
3. A double-storeyed building owned by Sri Patro at Kolisahi, Polasara, Ganjam.
4. Another building at Kolisahi, Polasara, Ganjam.
5. The house of a relative located at Kalinganagar, Berhampur.
6. The office of the Block Education Officer (BEO) at Chhatrapur, Ganjam.

Assets unearthed so far

During the ongoing searches, several assets in the name of Sri Sita Ram Patro and his family members have been unearthed. These include:

1. A double-storeyed residential building with an approximate area of 3500 square feet located at Ramakrushna Nagar, 7th Lane, near Khodasingh, Berhampur.
2. A double-storeyed building with an approximate area of 1600 square feet owned by Sri Patro at Kolisahi, Polasara, Ganjam.
3. Another building located at Kolisahi, Polasara, Ganjam.

The Vigilance Technical Wing is currently carrying out measurements and valuation assessments of these buildings.

Additionally, the following assets have been discovered:

4. Cash amounting to Rs. 6.50 Lakhs.
5. Bank, insurance, and postal deposits, along with other investments, are currently being ascertained.
6. A four-wheeler and two two-wheelers.

The searches are still underway, and further details are awaited.