Bhubaneswar: On Friday, officials from the Vigilance department in Odisha seized more than ₹2 crore in cash and valuable assets from a government engineer, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of his wealth.

The operation involved searches at both the engineer's residences and his workplace, which are still ongoing.

According to a statement, the anti-corruption unit of the Odisha Police targeted Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, who serves as the Chief Engineer for Plan Roads in the RW Division, located in Bhubaneswar.

During the raid, approximately ₹1 crore was discovered in cash at his flat in Bhubaneswar, while an additional ₹1.1 crore was found at his home in Angul, as reported by officials.

Witnesses noted that upon seeing the vigilance officers, Sarangi attempted to dispose of bundles of ₹500 notes by throwing them out of his flat's window, which were later retrieved by the team.

He is currently under investigation for holding assets that are disproportionate to his declared income.

The raids were conducted simultaneously following search warrants issued by the Special Judge for Vigilance in Angul.

The vigilance team also identified a two-story house in Karadagadia, Angul, along with flats in Bhubaneswar and Siula, Pipili in Puri district.

Additionally, searches were carried out at Sarangi's ancestral home and the residences of his relatives in Angul, as well as his office located at the Chief Engineer's office for RD Planning and Road in Bhubaneswar.