IFS officer Abhay Kant Pathak’s son has deposits of Rs 14.77 cr: Vigilance

Cuttack: The 20-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the State Vigilance Directorate unearthed deposits of Rs 14.77 crore from the banks accounts of Odisha cadre IFS officer and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Abhay Kant Pathak’s son Akash Pathak during its investigation into a disproportionate assets case.

In a statement, the State Vigilance Directorate mentioned analysis of statements of three bank accounts of Akash Pathak in Bhubaneswar and Pune showed cash deposits of Rs 9.48 crore and deposits through transfer/clearings of Rs 5.29 crore, totaling Rs.14.77 crore.

The anti-corruption agency has been also verifying land records of the IFS officer and his son’s educational expenses.

The statement further stated officers of the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Bhubaneswar have started forensic examination of the seized cell phones, laptops and other seized devices.

During the probe the Vigilance officials examined one DFO and two Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACFs), the travel and tour operator handling booking of air tickets / chartered flights/hotels and the driver of the IFS officer. They also examined relevant footages of CCTVs seized from residence and apartment of Abhay Kant.

Verification was undertaken at places associated with the IFS officer’s previous posting in Rajgangpur, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Angul, Boudh, Koraput and Berhampur. Also, the offices of PCCF and Forest & Environment Department were searched.

The SIT consisting of three Additional SPs, four DSPs, three Inspectors, Bank Consultant, Chartered Accountant and Forensic Auditor and others have been conducting investigation into various aspects of the case, the statement added.