On Friday, May 30, Odisha Vigilance officials seized over ₹2.1 crore in unaccounted cash from Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, Chief Engineer of the Rural Development Department, during coordinated raids at his properties in Bhubaneswar, Angul, and other locations.
The operation took a dramatic turn when Sarangi was seen throwing bundles of ₹500 notes out of his apartment window in a failed attempt to hide evidence. The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of disproportionate assets, with officials confirming that further searches and evaluations of his wealth are still in progress.
Dramatic Cash Toss Highlights Corruption
The anti-corruption operation began early Friday morning, with a 26-member vigilance team simultaneously searching seven locations linked to Sarangi, including his official residence, ancestral home, office chamber, and relatives’ houses.
As officers arrived at his Bhubaneswar flat, Sarangi reportedly panicked and tried to dispose of the illicit cash by tossing bundles of ₹500 notes out of his window. Videos of the incident quickly circulated on social media, sparking outrage and disbelief among the public. “On seeing the vigilance officers, Sarangi threw bundles of cash in ₹500 denomination through the window of his flat in Bhubaneswar.
The cash was recovered in the presence of witnesses,” stated a senior vigilance official. In total, officials recovered around ₹1 crore from his Bhubaneswar residence and ₹1.1 crore from his Angul home, along with property documents, gold jewellery, and other valuables.
Widening Probe and Systemic Concerns
Sarangi’s case is the latest in a series of high-profile corruption investigations in Odisha, reflecting a broader crackdown on public sector malfeasance. According to vigilance sources, Sarangi had long been under suspicion for amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The Special Vigilance Judge in Angul issued search warrants based on preliminary findings, enabling the wide-ranging raids. In addition to the cash, officials are scrutinising property documents, bank accounts, and investments linked to Sarangi and his family members.
The Odisha Vigilance Department has stated that the investigation is ongoing, with further counting of cash and evaluation of assets expected. This incident comes amid growing public demand for greater transparency and accountability in government, especially as similar cases have surfaced in recent months involving other officials.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The shocking visuals of currency notes being thrown from a government officer’s window are a stark reminder of the deep-rooted challenges that corruption poses to our institutions. While the swift and decisive action by Odisha Vigilance is commendable, it also raises important questions about how such practices go unchecked for years.
As citizens, it is crucial that we demand stronger oversight, transparent governance, and robust mechanisms to hold public servants accountable. How can we, as a society, work together to foster a culture of honesty and integrity in our public institutions?
