Private Secretary to OSSC Member given compulsory retirement

Bhubaneswar: Within few hours the Odisha Staff Selection Commission Chairman Nirmal Kumar Mishra suspended crorepati Private Secretary to the OSSC Member, Biranchi Narayan Sahoo, the State government gave compulsory retirement to Sahoo today evening.

Sahoo, who has been arrested by the State Vigilance on charges amassing disproportionate asset, was suspended by the OSSC Chairman earlier in the day. The OSSC Chairman also recommended the State government for stringent action against Sahoo.

On July 31, the Special Vigilance Court sent Sahoo to a judicial custody of 14 days after rejecting a bail application moved by his counsel.

During searches at the places associated with Sahoo the Vigilance traced movable and immovable properties of about Rs 3.79 crore. However, the total cost of disproportionate assets was about Rs 3.51 crore, which is 268 per cent of Sahoo’s known sources of income.

The sleuths recovered cash of Rs 25 lakh, two double-storied buildings at Niladri Vihar, two single storeyed buildings at Bhakti Vihar, 14 plots in Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Khordha, one four wheelers, two two-wheelers, insurance deposits worth over Rs 56 lakh, and gold ornaments worth Rs 60 lakh.

Bank slips indicating huge cash deposits in bank accounts were recovered as well. Recruitment related applicant admit cards and other incriminating documents were also recovered during the searches.

The Vigilance also registered a case against Sahoo’s wife and brother-in-law.