A Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) in Odisha's Bargarh district has been arrested by the Vigilance department after raids uncovered disproportionate assets exceeding 300% of his known income.
Kartikeswar Behera, who began his career in July 1994 as a Panchayat Secretary with a modest monthly salary of ₹500, amassed massive wealth over his 30-year service. Despite drawing a current salary of ₹52,320, simultaneous raids across six locations revealed a staggering real estate portfolio.
Key Seizures and Properties:
Real Estate: A two-story house (6,500 sq. ft.), a market complex (2,400 sq. ft.), a warehouse (1,500 sq. ft.), an under-construction four-story building (8,000 sq. ft.), and 35 land plots across Gaisilet and Kandagada.
Cash and Valuables: ₹3,05,637 in cash, alongside gold ornaments and household goods worth ₹3.70 lakh.
Vehicles: A Bolero SUV, a tractor, and four two-wheelers.
Failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for the source of these assets, Behera was arrested and will be produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Bargarh.