DA case: Odisha Vigilance conducts raids on Deputy Director of Mines

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance officers today conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations linked to Dharanidhar Nayak, Deputy Director of Mines (DDM), Talcher, Angul district, following allegations of possessing disproportionate assets.

The operation, led by a team of 10 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 16 Inspectors, 7 Sub-Inspectors/Assistant Sub-Inspectors (SI/ASIs), and other supporting staff, was carried out under search warrants issued by the Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Angul.

The raids were conducted at the following eight locations across Bhubaneswar, Keonjhar, and Angul districts:

1. Flat No. 205, 2nd Floor of Surekha Orchid Sisuvihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar: A 3-BHK flat owned by Sri Nayak, valued at approximately Rs. 1.30 crore.
2. A double-storeyed market complex in Badinali Sinkulabahal, Jagmohanpur, Telkoi, Keonjhar: Comprising 15 shops—9 on the ground floor and 6 on the first floor.
3. An under-construction double-storeyed building adjacent to the market complex at Badinali Sinkulabahal, Jagmohanpur, Telkoi, Keonjhar.
4. A single-storeyed building at Badinali Sinkulabahal, Jagmohanpur, Telkoi, Keonjhar.
5. The paternal house of Sri Nayak in village Chhamunda, via Telkoi PS, Keonjhar district.
6. Sri Nayak’s temporary residence in Talcher, Angul district.
7. His office room at the office of the Deputy Director of Mines, Talcher, Angul district.
8. A relative’s house in village Purumunda, Ghatagaon, Keonjhar district.

Unearthed assets

During the searches, the following assets were unearthed in the name of Nayak and his family members:

1. A 3-BHK flat (Flat No. 205) on the 2nd floor of Surekha Orchid at Sisu Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar, valued at approximately Rs. 1.30 crore.
2. A duplex with an area of 1800 square feet in Sundarpada, Bhubaneswar.
3. A double-storeyed market complex with 15 shops (9 on the ground floor and 6 on the first floor) at Badinali Sinkulabahal, Jagmohanpur, Telkoi, Keonjhar.
4. Another market complex building with four shops adjacent to the double-storeyed market complex in Jagmohanpur, Telkoi, Keonjhar.
5. An under-construction double-storeyed building near the market complex at Badinali Sinkulabahal, Jagmohanpur, Telkoi, Keonjhar.
6. A building in the village of Chhamunda, Telkoi, Keonjhar district.
7. Nine plots, including two in prime areas of Bhubaneswar and seven in Telkoi, Keonjhar.

The valuation and measurement of the buildings, market complexes, duplexes, and plots are currently being carried out by the Vigilance Technical Wing.

Cash and other assets

During the searches, cash totaling Rs. 9,83,800/- was found. Of this, Rs. 5,58,800/- was recovered from the Patia flat, and Rs. 4,25,000/- was unearthed from Sri Nayak’s residence in Talcher. Additionally, a loan of Rs. 75 lakh taken in 2022 was reportedly repaid within two years, raising suspicions about the source of funds, which is currently being verified by Vigilance officials.

Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the details of bank accounts, insurance, postal deposits, and other investments. One four-wheeler, a TATA Punch, was also seized during the raids.