A high-ranking excise officer in Odisha, Rama Chandra Mishra

BHUBANESWAR: A high ranking excise officer has come under Odisha Vigilance scanner for allegedly accumulating huge disproportionate assets. Even as vigilance officers continued search operations on Monday, sources said the total valuation of joint commissioner of excise, Rama Chandra Mishra’s assets could run into several crores.
The vigilance officials have so far found 52 plots, 6 multi-storeyed buildings and two flats at different places in the state in the name of Mishra (59) and his family members.
“We found 52 plots registered in the names of Mishra and his family. Of them, 2 plots are in Sambalpur, 3 in Balangir and 47 in Subarnapur districts. Besides, one duplex at Aiginia and one 2 BHK flat in Kharavel Nagar (both in Bhubaneswar) have been found,” a senior vigilance official said.
Another 2 BHK flat in Bargarh, two triple-storeyed buildings in Balangir, a double-storeyed building at Burla in Sambalpur and two single-storeyed buildings in Balangir and Subarnapur have also been unearthed during simultaneous search operations.
The revelation comes just days after Sunil Kumar Rout, the chief construction engineer of Lower Suktel project, was arrested for allegedly possessing assets worth more than Rs 10 crore, including 34 plots in different parts of Odisha.
Mishra, who was present at home during the search operation, denied his involvement in corrupt activities. “I did not commit any wrongdoing. I am cooperating with the vigilance. Truth will come out,” said Mishra, who has been detained for questioning.
Asked about the valuation of Mishra’s assets, the official said, “Our technical wing is carrying out the measurement and valuation of the buildings, flats and plots. Assessment of investments in shares and mutual funds and premium deposits in insurance companies is yet to be made. Unearthing of more assets is likely. Overall valuation would be made after the search operation is over.”
Investigators have so far found Mishra’s bank deposits of nearly Rs 22 lakh and gold ornaments weighing around 230 grams.
Mishra, who is set to retire from govt service next year, had joined the excise department as a sub-inspector (SI) in 1988. Vigilance officials suspect he may have amassed the disproportionate assets throughout his career.
“We suspect he received undue favours from liquor traders and ganja mafia. The decisions he had made in various official capacities in the excise department will be verified,” another vigilance officer said.