Bhubaneswar/Sambalpur, June 24: The Odisha Vigilance Department has intensified its investigation into disproportionate assets (DA) allegations against Padmalochan Nayak, Executive Engineer of the CADA Sambalpur Division, after uncovering evidence suggesting he may have travelled to Sri Lanka for gambling activities.
The development emerged during an ongoing probe following simultaneous Vigilance raids conducted at multiple locations linked to Nayak across Odisha on Tuesday. Investigators are now examining possible international connections and financial transactions related to his alleged overseas travel.
During the searches, Vigilance officials detected 18 land plots registered in the names of Nayak and his associates. The properties are spread across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Korei, Basta, and Delang.
Officials also identified a triple-storeyed building in Cuttack and two residential houses in Basta, Balasore district. In addition, the search teams seized two JCB excavators, a fuel or water tanker, a tractor, and a transport trailer believed to be linked to the accused officer.
The raids further led to the recovery of cash worth Rs 3.45 lakh, gold ornaments valued at around Rs 20 lakh, and several expensive household articles.
According to Vigilance sources, Nayak joined government service in 1991 with an initial monthly salary of Rs 2,600. Investigators are currently assessing whether the assets discovered are disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The Vigilance Directorate conducted coordinated raids at seven locations across Sambalpur, Cuttack, Balasore, and Malkangiri districts. The searches covered Nayak’s office chamber and rented residence at Dhanupali in Sambalpur, his three-storeyed house at Bidyadharpur in Cuttack, a double-storeyed house at Mukhalis under Basta police limits in Balasore, and three premises belonging to his associates in Cuttack and Kalimela.
The operation was carried out on the basis of search warrants issued by the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Sambalpur, following allegations that Nayak possessed assets disproportionate to his lawful income.
A large Vigilance team comprising four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 13 Inspectors, seven Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and supporting staff participated in the search operation. The investigation is continuing, with officials focusing on the valuation of the seized assets and the suspected international financial trail.
