Overview

• Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer in Odisha’s Rural Development Department, was found with approximately ₹2.1 crore in unaccounted cash during simultaneous vigilance raids.
• Search warrants were executed at seven locations linked to Sarangi, including his Angul residence, Bhubaneswar flat, Pipili property and his office chamber.
• On spotting officers, Sarangi attempted to dispose of evidence by tossing bundles of mostly ₹500 notes out of his flat window, which were retrieved by witnesses.
• The operation deployed 26 officers led by eight Deputy Superintendents of Police and employed currency-counting machines to verify stacks of notes from ₹50 to ₹500.
• Investigators have broadened the probe to chart Sarangi’s full asset portfolio and determine the extent of his disproportionate wealth.