In a major crackdown on corruption, vigilance officials seized around Rs 1.5 crore in cash from the residence of an Odisha government officer in Malkangiri district during a raid on Wednesday.

The accused officer, Santanu Mohapatra, serves as the Deputy Director and Project Director of the Watershed Department in Malkangiri. The raid was conducted on allegations of possessing disproportionate assets.

According to a statement released by the vigilance department, the search operation resulted in the discovery of approximately Rs 1.5 crore in cash, which was confiscated as part of the investigation. Officials suspect the amount to be illicit wealth acquired through corrupt practices.

Sources indicate that simultaneous searches were conducted at multiple locations linked to Mohapatra, including his office and other properties. Authorities are now scrutinizing financial records and other documents to assess the extent of alleged irregularities.

The vigilance department has intensified its actions against corruption in the state, targeting officials suspected of amassing wealth beyond their known sources of income. Further investigation into the case is ongoing, and additional legal proceedings are expected.

More details are awaited as the probe progresses.