Berhampur, March 26: In a major development, large-scale assets have been unearthed during ongoing Vigilance searches linked to Sri Panchu Behera, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of DAHA Irrigation Sub-Division under Bhanjanagar Irrigation Division in Ganjam district.

According to preliminary findings, cash amounting to Rs 18.90 lakh has been recovered during the searches. Of this, Rs 15.13 lakh was seized from his residential house in Berhampur, while Rs 3.72 lakh was recovered from his government quarters in Bhanjanagar.

Vigilance officials have also detected a triple-storeyed building measuring around 3,550 square feet located at Basant Vihar in Berhampur. In addition, five valuable plots in and around Berhampur town have been identified in the name of Behera and his family members. The measurement and valuation of these immovable assets are currently being carried out by the Vigilance Technical Wing.

Among other significant findings, a concrete mixer machine purchased in 2024 for approximately Rs 57 lakh and a JCB machine bought in 2025 for around Rs 37 lakh have been traced.

The searches have further revealed ownership of a four-wheeler (Hyundai i20) and three two-wheelers. Authorities are also in the process of verifying bank deposits, postal savings, and other financial investments linked to the officer and his family.

Meanwhile, the weighment of gold ornaments is underway to determine their value.

Vigilance sources confirmed that searches are still continuing, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.