Bhubaneswar: A country-made gun, two deer antlers, high-value plots, ornaments and cash were detected by vigilance officials during house searches at multiple properties of Jagannath Patnaik, an executive engineer of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).The raids led by six DSPs and 10 inspectors were carried out at four locations in Bhubaneswar and one at Gunupur in Rayagada district following search warrants issued by special vigilance judge here.Among the major findings are a triple-storied building measuring 4,560 sq ft in Badagada, Bhubaneswar, a sprawling 1.57-acre farmhouse at Ranapur in Khurda district’s Balianta tehsil. The farmhouse complex includes two buildings, a fish pond, and extensive plantations of various fruit trees, including dragon fruit, coconut and red sandalwood.The search revealed three high-value plots at prime locations in Bhubaneswar — two in Badagada and one in Khandagiri. Officials also seized around 200 grams of gold, a high-end car and a two-wheeler. “We also found a country-made gun and antler horns during the search. Probe is on to ascertain source of the gun and whether it has a licence.,” said a vigilance officer.A senior vigilance official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are currently conducting detailed measurements and valuations of all properties. A locker in his spouse’s name is yet to be examined. It might reveal more assets.” Bank deposits and other financial investments are still under scrutiny.The case has drawn lot of attention as it exposes the extent of alleged corruption within BMC. The vigilance expects more revelations as the probe continues.
