Bargarh, Sept 23: Odisha Vigilance has arrested Kartikeswar Behera, PEO of Katabhal Gram Panchayat and In-charge PEO of Gourenmunda Gram Panchayat under Gaisilet block in Bargarh district, in connection with a disproportionate assets (DA) case.

According to an Odisha Vigilance release, Behera will be forwarded to the Court of the Special Vigilance Judge, Bargarh, on Wednesday.

The arrest followed searches at properties linked to Behera, during which Vigilance officials allegedly detected disproportionate assets, including two multi-storeyed buildings with a combined built-up area of around 14,500 sq ft, a market complex, a godown, 35 plots, cash amounting to Rs 2.98 lakh and a tractor.

The assets were allegedly found to be disproportionate to his known sources of income, and Behera could not satisfactorily explain their possession, the Vigilance said.

In connection with the case, Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station Case No. 17/2026 has been registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018.

Further investigation into the case is underway.