Odisha Forest Officer under Vigilance Scanner: ₹1.44 Crore Cash, Gold Seized

Koraput, Odisha: In a major anti-corruption operation, Odisha Vigilance officials on Friday seized over ₹1.44 crore in cash, four gold biscuits, and 16 gold coins from the residence of Rama Chandra Nepak, Deputy Ranger of Jeypore Forest Range, on charges of amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The team, comprising six DSPs, five inspectors, and nine assistant sub-inspectors, is still conducting searches, with further revelations expected.

Properties under scrutiny include a building on NKT Road in Jeypore built on paternal land, two flats in Jeypore town, a flat in Bhubaneswar owned by his brother, his in-laws’ residence in Jeypore, and his official chamber.

According to an official release, Nepak began his government career in 1989 as a village forest worker under the Social Forestry Wing. After departmental restructuring, he was transferred to the Jeypore Forest Division and now serves as Deputy Ranger-cum-in-charge Ranger of the Jeypore Forest Range.

Despite drawing a gross monthly salary of ₹76,880 (₹69,680 net), the enormous sums uncovered in the raids have raised serious questions about the origins of his wealth.

Vigilance authorities are continuing their investigation into possible links, benami properties, and hidden assets. The case underscores ongoing concerns about corruption within lower levels of government service and the efforts being made to hold public officials accountable.