25-07-2025
Odisha Vigilance seizes Rs 1.44 crore cash, gold from Forest Ranger
Bhubaneswar, July 25 (UNI) Odisha Vigilance officials have seized approximately Rs.1.44 crore in cash, four gold biscuits, and 16 gold coins (each weighing 10 grams) from the possession of Rama Chandra Nepak, Deputy Ranger of the Jeypore Forest Range in Koraput district.
According to Vigilance sources, Rs.1.4 crore in cash was recovered from a concealed chamber inside Flat No. 510 of the Golden Height Residential Apartment in Jeypore town today.
With this, the total cash seizure in the case has reached Rs.1.44 crore. Counting machines have been deployed, and counting is still underway.
A Vigilance team comprising 6 DSPs, 5 Inspectors, 9 ASIs, and supporting staff conducted raids at six different locations linked to Nepak, acting on search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Jeypore.
The operation was launched following allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
So far, the recovered assets include, building constructed on ancestral land in Jeypore town, Koraput district, two flats at the Golden Height Residential Apartment, PR Petta, Jeypore town.
Nepak began his career in March 1989 as a Village Forest Worker under the Social Forestry Division in Koraput.
Following the merger of Social Forestry with the Territorial Forest Division, he was posted to the Jeypore Forest (Territorial) Division.
He is currently serving as Deputy Ranger-cum-In-Charge Ranger of the Jeypore Forest Range, drawing a gross monthly salary of Rs.76,880 and a net salary of Rs.69,680.
Further search operation is ongoing by the vigilance team.
UNI DP AAB
