BHUBANESWAR: A Medical Officer (MO) in Bargarh district’s Sohella has been found to be in possession of assets worth a staggering Rs 2.47 crore when the State Vigilance cracked down on his premises on Wednesday.
During a search on Dr. Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra, currently in-charge MO of Sohella CHC, the anti-corruption sleuths found that he was constructing a building in the town with a whopping 70 rooms. Its value is estimated at `40 lakh.
The anti-corruption wing was also surprised to find that the government doctor had purchased as many as 33 plots in the periphery of Bargarh and Chhedipada. He also owns a double-storeyed house at Sohella which is valued at `30 lakh. Apart from other movable and immovable assets, `7.62 lakh in cash was found during the raid.
He also has two cars and gold ornaments worth `15.57 lakh. Deposits in banks and post offices made in the name of the Medical Officer and his family members stood at `69.69 lakh while his investments in various insurance products was a massive `52 lakh.
While Sohella block faces the onslaught of drought almost every year, Bargarh district does not rank well in health and development indices. At least 39 per cent under-five children are either stunted or underweight. Just about 3.5 per cent children in the age-group of 6-23 months get adequate diet, says the National Family Health Survey-IV. Barely 26 per cent household have access to improved sanitation in the district.
Basing on warrants issued from Court of Special Judge, Sambalpur, the Vigilance searched Dr Mohapatra’s residential building at Sohella, paternal house at Chhendipada in Angul, father-in-law’s house at Cuttack and office chamber.
Wealth amassed
● Dr. Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra owns a double-storeyed house at Sohella which is valued at Rs 30 lakh
● Apart from other movable and immovable assets, Rs 7.62 lakh in cash was found during the raid
● He also has two cars and gold ornaments worth Rs 15.57 lakh
● Deposits in banks and post offices made in the name of the Medical Officer and his family members stood at G69.69 lakh