OPHWC official Pratap Samal, arrested by Odisha Vigilance in DA case, suspended

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police Housing & Welfare Corporation (OPHWC) Deputy Manager Pratap Kumar Samal, who was arrested by the Odisha Vigilance for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, has been placed under suspension.

Samal and his wife Sasmita were yesterday arrested by the anti-corruption agency. They were found in possession of assets worth Rs 14.87 crore, which is 1021% of their known sources of income.

“After thorough searches, the Disproportionate Assets unearthed so far are to the tune of Rs 14,87,41,194, which comes to 1021% of the known sources of income,” the Vigilance said.

As Samal and his spouse were found in possession of huge disproportionate assets, which he couldn’t explain satisfactorily, a case has been registered against the duo.

Odisha Vigilance officials have unearthed as many as 25 immovable properties worth crores, including 22 plots and 3 buildings, possessed by Samal and his wife Sasmita. The properties include 17 plots and two buildings in Bhubaneswar and Khurda.

The value of the immovable properties including registration and stamp duty is Rs 3,41,58,412. The actual price is likely to be higher.

Valuation of a five storeyed building at Gothapatna here is Rs 3,89,60,000, as per self-declaration of Samal and his wife, official sources said.

Deposits of Rs 1,61,35,812.50 were found in the bank accounts of Samal and his family members. This apart, insurance premium of Rs 57,72,150 has been paid by them, the sources added.

The bank accounts have been freezed while further investigation was underway.

As many as 10 teams of Odisha Vigilance conducted the searches on the strength of search warrants issued by the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar.

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