Vigilance raids unearth crores in assets linked to BMC Executive Engineer

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance Department on Wednesday carried out simultaneous raids on multiple properties associated with Jagannath Pattnaik, Executive Engineer of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), following allegations of amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

During the operation, officials uncovered assets worth several crores, including real estate holdings and high-value items. Key discoveries include a triple-storeyed building measuring 4,560 sq. ft. located in Badagada, Bhubaneswar, and a 1.57-acre farmhouse in Mouza Ranapur under Balianta tehsil of Khordha district.

The farmhouse complex features a double-storeyed house, a large fish pond, a plantation with a range of fruit-bearing and exotic trees—including coconut, banana, mango, guava, dragon fruit, and red sandalwood—as well as a small poultry farm with 15 chicks.

Among other recoveries, officials seized a country-made firearm and a pair of antler horns. Pattnaik was also found to own three high-value plots—two in Badagada and one in the Khandagiri area of Bhubaneswar.

Additionally, approximately 200 grams of gold, a Maruti Grand Vitara, a two-wheeler, and documents related to multiple bank accounts and financial investments were seized. A bank locker in Pattnaik’s wife’s name has been identified and will be opened as part of the ongoing investigation.

A special technical team is currently assessing the total value of the assets. Searches remain underway.