Bhubaneswar, 4 August (H.S.): The Odisha Vigilance Department has arrested Golap Chandra Hansdah, a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) posted in Boudh district, for possessing assets grossly disproportionate to his known sources of income. The arrest follows extensive raids across six of his properties in the state.

According to the vigilance officials, the anti-corruption wing unearthed 44 land plots, one kilogram of gold, over two kilograms of silver, and bank deposits amounting to ₹1.34 crore during the operation. In addition, ₹2.38 lakh in cash and a diary detailing alleged ‘benami’ transactions were recovered, along with documentation revealing an expenditure of ₹40 lakh for his daughter’s medical education.

Of the 44 plots traced to Hansdah and his family, 43 are located in and around Baripada in Mayurbhanj district, while one is on the outskirts of Balasore. The official valuation of these plots, based on sale deed records, stands at approximately ₹1.49 crore. Hansdah also owns a double-storey building measuring 3,300 sq ft in Baripada.

A technical team from the Vigilance Department is currently conducting measurements and assessing the market value of the properties and assets seized. The ongoing investigation is expected to determine the full scale of his allegedly ill-gotten wealth.

Hansdah joined government service in 1991, initially serving at the District Industries Centres (DIC) in Sambalpur and Deogarh. He was promoted to Junior MVI in 2003 and later elevated to the position of MVI in 2020, after which he was posted to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Boudh, where he continues to serve. His current monthly salary is ₹1.08 lakh.

The Vigilance Directorate stated that the investigation is ongoing and further legal action will follow based on the findings.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda