Odisha – In a significant crackdown on alleged corruption within the Odisha government machinery, the Odisha Vigilance Department today launched simultaneous raids against Golap Chandra Hansdah, Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), posted in Boudh district. Acting on credible inputs regarding disproportionate assets, Vigilance teams conducted search operations at six different locations, including Baripada, Boudh, and the state capital Bhubaneswar.
The sweeping action, executed under the authority of search warrants issued by the Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Baripada, has already uncovered assets of staggering value, sparking statewide interest and concern over the scale of the alleged corruption.
Massive Vigilance Operation Across Odisha
According to official sources from the Odisha Vigilance, the search operation involved a team of 4 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 7 Inspectors, and other supporting personnel. The raids began early this morning and are still continuing at various premises linked to Golap Chandra Hansdah, including residential houses, offices, and properties owned by his family members.
These actions come amid increasing scrutiny over government officials allegedly amassing disproportionate assets far beyond their known sources of income, a persistent issue that has often dented public trust in administrative integrity.
Key Disproportionate Assets Unearthed So Far
The Odisha Vigilance Department has released preliminary details of the assets unearthed during the searches conducted so far. These include:
- 1 Multi Storey Building
- 44 Land Plots located in different regions, reportedly in prime and semi-urban locations
- Cash of over ₹2.38 Lakhs
- Gold ornaments weighing approximately 250 grams
- Bank and other deposits amounting to ₹1.08 Crores
Spending of over ₹40 Lakhs on the medical education of his daughter in a private institution, raising questions about the source of such funds.
These details clearly point to disproportionate assets being in gross excess of the legitimate income of a Motor Vehicle Inspector, whose official salary and benefits are not consistent with such high value possessions.
Focus on the Boudh Connection
The Motor Vehicle Inspector of Boudh, Sri Golap Chandra Hansdah, has served in various capacities within the Transport Department. However, his tenure in Boudh has now come under the scanner due to the suspicious accumulation of wealth.
This district, although remote compared to urban centers like Bhubaneswar, is often considered strategically important due to its connectivity and evolving transport network. Allegations suggest that misuse of position, unauthorized approvals, and illegal gratification may have contributed to the generation of disproportionate assets.
Public Reaction and Political Undertones
The Odisha public and civil society groups have reacted strongly to the findings. Citizens have taken to social media platforms to voice their outrage against corruption, demanding strict action and judicial follow through. All over India citizens demanding strict action against corrupt officials.
Some political observers believe that this move also signals a broader clean up operation under the Naveen Patnaik led government, which has in the past emphasized zero tolerance for corruption. Whether this marks the beginning of further such actions in other departments remains to be seen.
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Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The Vigilance Department has indicated that once the searches are concluded, a detailed property assessment and valuation will follow. If evidence corroborates the alleged possession of disproportionate assets, Sri Hansdah may be booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended).
He could face charges including:
- Criminal misconduct by a public servant.
- Acquisition of property disproportionate to known income.
- Misuse of official position for personal gain.
The department is also expected to interrogate the MVI and his family members, trace financial transactions, scrutinize property documents, and examine bank account statements. Further arrests or seizures may be initiated based on the outcomes of this ongoing investigation.
Odisha Vigilance Department Strengthening the Fight Against Corruption
This high profile raid reinforces the proactive approach of Odisha Vigilance in tackling systemic corruption. In recent months, the department has intensified its efforts to bring public servants with disproportionate assets under the law’s ambit.
Odisha Vigilance has urged citizens to come forward with credible information about corrupt officials through their Anti Corruption Helpline and Portal, which has been instrumental in initiating many such investigations.
Question on Accountability of Public Servants
The unfolding case of Golap Chandra Hansdah an MVI allegedly in possession of a multi storey building, dozens of plots, and crores in undisclosed assets has become a symbol of the deep rooted challenge of corruption in state departments. As searches continue, the scope of disproportionate assets may widen further.
The Odisha Vigilance Department has sent a clear message: no public servant is above the law, and accountability will be enforced with full legal rigor.
For citizens of Odisha and India at large, this case serves as a wake up call for institutional reform, transparent governance, and citizen vigilance.
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