Bhubaneswar, October 8: The Odisha Vigilance has uncovered assets worth crores during raids on properties linked to Ramesh Chandra Jena, a senior official of the Panchayat Raj and Drinking Water Department.
The raids, conducted in various locations, revealed significant immovable assets, including two multi-storeyed buildings in Bhubaneswar, a building in Nirakarpur (Khordha), and five high-value plots in prime areas of Bhubaneswar and Puri. The valuation of these properties is ongoing.
Additionally, Jena was found in possession of Rs 5.5 lakhs in deposits, vehicles, gold, cash, and household articles worth around Rs 9 lakhs.
Notably, Jena had been illegally renting out his official quarters in Bhubaneswar, receiving rent via UPI since June 2021.
“Despite being a government employee, Ramesh Chandra Jena flouting the rules has rented out his official quarter (IV-A 46/1) behind market building, Bhubaneswar, to one Bijaya Kumar Jena, Ajaya Kumar Rout, and Bijaya Kumar Sahoo since June 2021. He was receiving rent of Rs.12,000 per month through UPI transaction (Phonepe) from the tenants staying in his official quarters,” said a senior vigilance official.
Jena, who joined the PR & DW department only 15 days ago, previously worked in the transport department and various other state departments. He began his career as a Junior Steno in the Home Department in 1990.
