Bhubaneswar: Two days after uncovering 34 plots and houses owned by an engineer, anti-corruption vigilance officers in Odisha have identified 52 plots and six multi-storey buildings linked to a senior excise department officer. Following complaints that the officer had amassed property far exceeding his known sources of income, a team of vigilance officers—including 10 DSPs, 15 inspectors, and other staff—raided 10 locations associated with Rama Chandra Mishra, Joint Commissioner of the Excise Department, on Monday.

The team discovered six multi-storey buildings, 52 plots, approximately 230 grams of gold, and other items in the possession of Mishra and his family, according to an official. A release from the vigilance department noted that Mishra is currently being questioned to ascertain the source of these assets. The evaluation of investments in shares, mutual funds, and premium deposits with insurance companies is still underway.

"More assets are likely to be uncovered, and the overall valuation is expected to increase," the official added.

The searches are being conducted under warrants issued by the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar. The official also noted that Mishra, who began his government career as a sub-inspector 30 years ago and was later promoted to Joint Commissioner, is set to retire in eight months. Mishra has denied the allegations, asserting that he has not acquired his wealth through improper means. PTI