Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance Department on Friday arrested Santanu Mohapatra, Deputy Director and Project Director of the Watershed Department in Malkangiri, along with four associates on charges of corruption.

Following a tip-off, the anti-corruption wing carried out extensive search operations at multiple locations on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to the discovery of unaccounted assets worth several crores. Officials recovered over ₹2 crore in cash, deposits amounting to ₹91 lakh, gold jewellery weighing 422 grams, four flats, and a building from Mohapatra’s possession.

The Vigilance Department, in its statement, confirmed the arrests and stated that further investigations are underway to trace additional assets and identify any other individuals involved in the alleged corrupt activities.

This case marks yet another significant action by the Odisha Vigilance against corrupt government officials, reinforcing the state’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in governance.