Odisha Forest Official Arrested for Disproportionate Wealth: Shocking Discovery

Arrest of Deputy Ranger in Odisha

Bhubaneswar/Koraput: A forest official in Odisha was apprehended on Saturday for allegedly holding assets that far exceed his legitimate income, according to the Vigilance department.

Deputy Ranger Rama Chandra Nepak was taken into custody after investigators discovered he possessed Rs 1.43 crore in cash, a multi-storey building, three apartments, two valuable plots of land, bank deposits exceeding Rs 1.33 crore, 1.5 kg of gold, 4.6 kg of silver, and two vehicles, among other unaccounted assets.

The Vigilance department confirmed that Nepak, who is currently serving as the deputy ranger in charge of the Jeypore Forest Range in Koraput, will be presented in the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Jeypore, for possessing disproportionate assets beyond his known income sources. A case has been filed against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988.

The investigation into the case of disproportionate assets is ongoing.

On Friday, the Vigilance department conducted searches at six locations linked to Nepak, following allegations regarding his unexplained wealth.

Despite earning a gross monthly salary of Rs 76,880 (net Rs 69,680), the cash found in his residence amounted to Rs 1.43 crore. Nepak began his career on March 9, 1989, as a village forest worker in the social forestry division of Koraput.