Bhubaneswar/Malkangiri – In a major blow to corruption in Odisha’s public infrastructure sector, an Assistant Executive Engineer posted in the remote tribal district of Malkangiri was caught with unaccounted cash worth over Rs 15 lakh and gold ornaments during a late-night Vigilance operation. The accused, Pavitra Mohan Panigrahi, was apprehended by the Koraput Division Vigilance sleuths while allegedly attempting to flee with bribe money collected from contractors.

Rs 5 Lakh Cash Seized During Highway Interception

According to reliable Vigilance sources, Panigrahi, who was working in Chitrakonda Block of Malkangiri, was under the scanner for suspected corrupt practices for quite some time. Acting on a specific intelligence input, a Vigilance team intercepted a private car he had taken a lift in near Govindapalli Chowk on Friday night.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of Rs 5.07 lakh in unaccounted cash. When questioned, Panigrahi failed to provide a legitimate explanation for carrying such a large amount of money, strengthening suspicions of bribe collection from local contractors engaged in development projects.

Bhuba​neswar House Raid Uncovers More Cash, Gold

Following the interception, a parallel raid was launched at Panigrahi’s private residence in Bhubaneswar. The Vigilance team uncovered an additional Rs 10 lakh in cash and gold jewellery valued in lakhs, pointing to a pattern of illicit wealth accumulation.

Vigilance officials say the total seizure now stands at over Rs 15 lakh in cash and a significant haul of gold, indicating that Panigrahi may have been engaged in long-term extortion and bribery from contractors handling government-funded projects in tribal regions.

Vigilance Launches Full Investigation into Illicit Wealth

Officials have now launched a comprehensive probe into Panigrahi’s assets, bank accounts, investments, and possible benami properties. Initial assessments suggest he may possess disproportionate assets far beyond his declared income.

We are investigating the full extent of his financial activities. All movable and immovable assets, including possible hidden investments and properties under other names, are being tracked,” said a senior Vigilance officer.

The team is also probing links with contractor syndicates, suspecting a wider network of kickbacks in return for clearing bills, approving tenders, and facilitating project delays to extract more bribes.

Development Funds Misused: Tribal Region Left Behind

This incident sheds light on the plight of underdeveloped regions like Malkangiri, which receive special attention and funding from state and central governments for critical infrastructure, tribal welfare, and healthcare programs.

While people in tribal belts walk miles for clean water or basic health services, government officers are looting funds meant for their upliftment,” said Naba Kishore Bagh, a local rights activist.

The misuse of development funds by officials like Panigrahi not only stalls real progress but also widens the trust gap between communities and the government.

Political Pressure Mounts: Calls for CBI Probe

Opposition parties have slammed the BJD-led government, demanding a CBI investigation and an immediate audit of all government engineers and procurement officers posted in tribal and remote districts.

This isn’t an isolated case. Corruption has become embedded in the rural development system. We need a state-wide crackdown,” said Ajit Mahapatra, senior BJP leader.

Activists are also urging the Lokayukta to step in and ensure independent oversight of all projects in the KBK (Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput) belt, where developmental lag has long been blamed on administrative apathy and corruption.

Legal Action Underway: More Arrests Likely

Panigrahi is currently in Vigilance custody and is being interrogated regarding the source of the seized money and gold. A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 has been registered, and officials hinted that more arrests could follow as the investigation deepens.

The Vigilance department has also formed special teams to examine his digital records, mobile data, and property documents across Odisha, indicating this could lead to a wider anti-corruption sweep in the state.