Massive Raid Uncovers Wealth
On Tuesday, Odisha Vigilance officials arrested Rama Chandra Mishra, the Joint Excise Commissioner of Bhubaneswar, following the discovery of substantial assets disproportionate to his known income. Mishra’s arrest came after simultaneous raids conducted by Vigilance teams on Monday, revealing an array of properties and assets, including six multi-storey buildings, two flats in Bhubaneswar and Bargarh, and 52 plots registered in his and his family’s names.
Assets Unveiled
During the raids, the Vigilance team found 230 grams of gold and bank deposits amounting to Rs 22 lakh. Additionally, Mishra owns a non-functional rice mill and a farmhouse in Sonepur. The raids were conducted by at least 10 teams, comprising 10 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 15 Inspectors, and other supporting staff.
Detailed Findings
The search operations extended to 10 different locations associated with Mishra and his relatives, including properties in Bhubaneswar, Sonepur, Bargarh, and Bolangir. The raids, backed by search warrants from the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar, unearthed critical documents pointing to the amassing of disproportionate assets. Notably, the Vigilance teams traced over 52 plots, five multi-storey buildings, a flat in Satya Nagar, Bhubaneswar, a farmhouse in Sonepur, and bank deposits exceeding Rs 2 crore under Mishra’s name.
Mishra’s Professional Background
Mishra entered government service in 1988 as a Sub-Inspector of Excise. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, becoming an Inspector of Excise in 2009, an Excise Superintendent in 2018, and a Deputy Commissioner in 2021. His latest promotion to Joint Commissioner of Excise occurred in 2024, with a posting at the Directorate Excise, IPICOL Tower, Bhubaneswar.
Living Modestly Amidst Wealth
Despite his considerable wealth, Mishra lived in a rented house and drove a two-wheeler. He also owns a flat at the Chandrama Apartment in Bhubaneswar, a rice mill in Balangir, and a farmhouse in Bargarh, each worth significant sum.
Vigilance Operation
Vigilance SP Shravan Vivek confirmed the extensive operation involving 10 DSPs, 15 inspectors, and numerous technical officers. Vivek refrained from providing further details, citing the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation. The arrest and discovery of assets have raised significant questions about the extent of corruption and the measures needed to curb such practices in the future.
Broader Implications
This high-profile arrest highlights the efforts of Odisha Vigilance to tackle corruption and ensure accountability among government officials. The case against Rama Chandra Mishra underscores the importance of stringent checks and transparency within the public sector. As the investigation continues, it is expected to shed more light on the methods used by officials to accumulate disproportionate assets and the systemic changes required to prevent such occurrences.
Rama Chandra Mishra’s arrest for disproportionate assets marks a significant step in Odisha’s fight against corruption. The extensive raid and subsequent findings illustrate the Vigilance department’s commitment to uncovering and addressing illicit wealth among government officials. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and integrity within public service roles.
(With inputs from agencies)
