Koraput: State vigilance conducted simultaneous searches at six locations linked to Biswanath Patro, assistant executive engineer (AEE) of Jeypore block and in-charge municipal engineer of Jeypore Municipality on Tuesday over allegations of possessing disproportionate assets (DA).
The searches were conducted on the basis of warrants issued by the special judge (vigilance), Jeypore. A team comprising an additional SP, two DSPs, eight inspectors, six ASIs and other supporting staff carried out the searches.
According to an official release, the vigilance teams uncovered a triple-storey building measuring 7,200 sq ft at Jeypore, and a 3,400 sq ft double-storey building in Koli Sahi, Belaguntha, in Ganjam district.
At least 18 plots, including six in prime areas of Bhubaneswar, one in Jeypore town, one in Berhampur and 10 plots measuring at least seven acres in Jagannath Prasad, Ganjam, were found.
"At least 850 grams of gold jewellery, bank, insurance, postal deposits and other investments are being assessed," read the release.
Officials said Patro began his career as an ad hoc assistant engineer in 2011, earning a monthly remuneration of Rs 14,000. In 2016, he cleared the OPSC examination and secured a regular appointment as an AEE. In only eight years of regular service, the discovery of these assets raised significant questions about the source of his wealth.
"Our teams are continuing the investigation, with technical experts measuring and valuing the unearthed properties. Further details are awaited," an officer said.