Bhubaneswar, 20 February (H.S.): The Odisha Vigilance Department conducted simultaneous searches on Friday at three locations associated with Sri Bhagbat Bhusan Behera, a Forester in the Bhatangpadar Forest Section under the Bhawanipatna Forest Range, North Forest Division, Kalahandi, according to an official press release.

The searches were initiated following allegations of possession of disproportionate assets (DA) beyond Behera's known sources of income. Acting on search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, the operation was led by a team comprising four DSPs, seven Inspectors, four ASIs, and other supporting staff.

The searches targeted Behera's three-story residential building in Hill Town, Bhawanipatna, his brother's residential house in Vill-Deundi, Kalopala, PS-Junagarh, and Behera's office chamber at the Bhatangpadar Forest Section. Vigilance officials are conducting these searches as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged accumulation of assets disproportionate to the forester's known income. Further details are awaited.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda