Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance has taken into custody Prasanna Kumar Patra, who holds the position of Deputy Director of Soil Conservation and Project Director for Watershed in Sundaragada, on charges of illicitly accumulating wealth that is incongruous with his known earnings.

Patra is set to be presented before the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, in Sundaragada.

This arrest stems from a coordinated series of searches executed at various locations associated with Patra. During these operations, anti-corruption investigators discovered a substantial collection of assets that the official could not adequately justify during questioning.

The investigations revealed a range of high-value properties, including four multi-story buildings and an upscale apartment situated in prime locations of Bhubaneswar, which were registered under his name and that of his family.

In addition to the properties, officials found seven valuable plots of land in key areas, Rs 1.46 crore in bank deposits and investments, 212 grams of gold jewelry, and Rs 1.29 lakhs in cash.

When probed about how he financed these significant acquisitions, Patra was unable to offer a credible explanation or legitimate financial reasoning to the investigative team.

As a result of these revelations, a criminal case has been lodged at the Rourkela Vigilance Police Station, invoking applicable provisions of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act. The investigation is ongoing.