Simultaneous Searches Conducted Across Five Locations
In a significant anti-corruption crackdown, the Odisha Vigilance Department on Wednesday carried out simultaneous raids at five locations linked to a Junior Assistant posted at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), Angul. The action was taken in connection with the alleged misappropriation of government funds amounting to Rs 2.38 crore.
Case Registered Under Prevention of Corruption Act
The operation stems from Cuttack Vigilance Police Station Case No. 06/2026, registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case names the Junior Assistant working in the office of the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Angul, for alleged financial irregularities involving public funds.
Large Vigilance Team Deployed for Operation
According to official sources, the searches were conducted on February 11 by multiple vigilance teams. The operation was led by five Deputy Superintendents of Police and supported by eight Inspectors, 14 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and additional staff members, reflecting the scale and seriousness of the investigation.
Residential and Office Premises Searched
The raids targeted several properties linked to the accused official. These included his triple-storey residence at Hakimpada in Angul town, a relative’s house in Bonda village under Nalco Nagar police limits, and his ancestral home at Baunsapokhari in the Hindol area of Dhenkanal district.
Bhubaneswar Residence and Office Chamber Included
Officials also searched a rented residence belonging to his cousin at Shree Vihar in Bhubaneswar. In addition, the Junior Assistant’s office chamber at the CDMO office in Angul was thoroughly examined as part of the coordinated operation.
Financial Records and Documents Seized
During the searches, vigilance officials reportedly seized several important documents, including bank passbooks, bonds, and other financial records. These materials are expected to play a crucial role in tracing the alleged diversion or misuse of government funds.
Investigation Still Underway
Speaking to Odisha TV, officials stated that the search operations were ongoing and that detailed findings would be shared after completion of the process. Authorities indicated that the case involves suspected embezzlement of public money, and further revelations may emerge as scrutiny of the seized documents continues.
Previous Corruption Cases in Medical Sector
The development comes amid heightened vigilance in the healthcare sector. Earlier, a medical officer was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) wing of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh in exchange for referring patients to a private hospital, underscoring growing concerns over corruption in medical institutions.
