Odisha Vigilance Stumbles Upon Rs 19 Crore Assets of RTO Official

In a significant development, Odisha vigilance officials have unearthed a staggering Rs 19 crore worth of assets belonging to a regional transport officer (RTO) during raids conducted across various locations in the state. The raids were prompted by allegations of disproportionate asset possession against the RTO.

In a significant development, Odisha vigilance officials have uncovered assets worth a staggering Rs 19 crore belonging to a regional transport officer (RTO) of the state, identified as Mohapatra. The revelation came to light following allegations of possession of disproportionate assets against the RTO, prompting a thorough investigation.

Extensive Raids Conducted

Acting on the allegations, a team of vigilance officers, comprising two additional superintendents of police, six DSPs, six inspectors, and other personnel, conducted extensive raids at 10 locations across Bhubaneswar Khurda district, Boudh, and Ganjam districts. The meticulous search included Mohapatra's official chamber at the Boudh RTO office, his rented house in Boudh, his paternal house in Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district, and a relative's house in Berhampur, Ganjam.

Assets Detected

During the course of the raids, the vigilance officials made several significant discoveries. These included two flats and two commercial shopping outlets owned by Mohapatra in Bhubaneswar. Notably, the RTO had paid an advance of Rs 2.23 crore for the purchase of flats in Bhubaneswar and Bengaluru.

In addition, the officials unearthed bank, insurance, and mutual fund deposits exceeding Rs 3.90 crore, as well as Rs 1.16 lakh in cash. Gold weighing over 500 grams and various other assets were also found during the raids.

Estimated Value of Assets

Based on current market valuations, the immovable properties owned by Mohapatra are estimated to be worth approximately Rs 14.5 crore. The value of other assets, including deposits, gold and silver ornaments, and household articles, is estimated to be around Rs 4.5 crore. Consequently, the total current value of Mohapatra's assets stands at an impressive Rs 19 crore, according to vigilance officials.

Background of Mohapatra

Mohapatra joined the government service in the transport department as a mechanical engineer in 1991. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, being promoted to the position of junior motor vehicle inspector (MVI) in 2014. He served in various districts, including Balasore, Koraput, Bargarh, and Gajpati, before being promoted to the rank of MVI and posted in Bhubaneswar in 2021. Since May 1, 2022, Mohapatra has been serving as the RTO of Boudh.

The unearthing of assets worth Rs 19 crore from a regional transport officer in Odisha highlights the commitment of vigilance officials to combat corruption and ensure transparency in government operations. The ongoing investigation into Mohapatra's assets is a testament to the state's efforts to uphold integrity and accountability among public servants.