Bhubaneswar, Jul 1: In a major anti-corruption crackdown, Odisha Vigilance arrested Dayanidhi Bagh, Joint Director of Soil Conservation & Watershed Development, Bhubaneswar, for allegedly possessing disproportionate assets far exceeding his known sources of income.

The arrest followed extensive raids at eight locations across Bhubaneswar, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, including Bagh’s residences, office, and properties linked to his family.

The searches unearthed a staggering 84 acres of land, including two farmhouses spread over 48 acres in Nabarangpur, a 3-BHK flat in Gothapatna, Bhubaneswar, and multiple buildings in Chandrasekharpur and Nabarangpur town.

Officials also recovered ₹58.41 lakh in bank deposits, 312 grams of gold ornaments, household articles worth ₹9 lakh, and a Brezza car suspected to be unregistered. The total value of the seized assets is estimated to run into several crores, with further valuation underway.

This is one of the largest land seizures in Odisha Vigilance history, with officials calling it a “staggering case of illicit wealth accumulation.”

Bagh, who previously served as Project Director of the Watershed Mission in Rayagada, had been under the scanner following the arrest of four officials in May for misappropriating MGNREGA Scheme funds meant for farm pond excavation.

Koraput Vigilance Police Station has registered Case No. 24/2025 under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Bagh was produced before the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna, and further investigation is ongoing.

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