In an astonishing twist to an ongoing corruption investigation, a senior state engineer in Odisha attempted to evade law enforcement by hurling bundles of currency notes out the window as officials knocked on his door.

The engineer in question, Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, currently posted as Chief Engineer (Plan Roads) in the Rural Works Department, came under the scanner of the Vigilance Department for allegedly amassing wealth far beyond his known sources of income.

Officials launched a well-coordinated operation across seven different locations tied to Sarangi, including Bhubaneswar, Angul, and Pipili (Puri). During these raids, investigators discovered a total of Rs 2.1 crore in unaccounted cash. Of this, Rs 1 crore was retrieved from a flat in the Dumduma locality of Bhubaneswar, and Rs 1.1 crore from his double-storey home in Karadagadia, Angul.

Odisha Engineer Throws Bundle Out of Window

The raids led to one of the most dramatic moments in recent Vigilance operations. As soon as Sarangi realised officials had arrived, he reportedly began flinging bundles of Rs 500 notes out the window of his apartment in Bhubaneswar. The cash, however, was recovered by officers in the presence of witnesses, foiling his desperate attempt to hide the illicit money.

The massive search operation was sanctioned through warrants by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Angul, and included a team of 26 officers, comprising eight DSPs, 12 Inspectors, and six Assistant Sub-Inspectors, along with several supporting staff.

Other locations searched include a flat in Siula (Puri), his paternal residence and another double-storeyed building in Angul, a relative’s house, and his office chamber at the Rural Works Department in Bhubaneswar.

Rs 2.1 Cr Seized, Notes Counted by Machines

Vigilance officials used currency-counting machines to tally the seized cash, which was largely in Rs 500 notes, but also included denominations of Rs 200, Rs 100, and Rs 50. The recovered money has been officially pegged at approximately Rs 2.1 crore.

While counting continues, officials confirm that this is part of a larger probe into disproportionate assets held by Sarangi. Investigators are currently conducting a detailed valuation of his properties, investments, and other holdings.

The incident has raised significant alarm regarding corruption within Odisha’s public infrastructure departments, as authorities continue to widen the scope of their investigation.