Odisha Vigilance officials searching properties linked to Dharmasala assistant block education officer Jayadev Jena have identified three buildings and 19 plots across Bhubaneswar and Ganjam district, as investigators examine allegations that he possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The simultaneous searches were conducted on Monday at seven locations after the special judge, vigilance, Berhampur, issued search warrants. The operation involved three additional superintendents of police, four deputy superintendents of police, nine inspectors and other supporting personnel, according to vigilance officials cited by The Times of India.
The preliminary findings include a triple-storeyed building measuring about 4,300 square feet at Patrapada in Bhubaneswar. Investigators also identified a double-storeyed building of approximately 3,850 square feet and another structure measuring nearly 7,100 square feet at P Nuagaon in Ganjam district. The properties were allegedly linked to Jena and his family members.
Vigilance officials further detected 19 plots in Bhubaneswar, Khallikote and Kodala in Ganjam district. The discovery does not by itself establish the value or legal status of the properties. The department’s technical wing is measuring and valuing the immovable assets to determine their market worth as part of the ongoing investigation.
The searches also covered Jena’s financial holdings and movable assets. Officials were verifying gold jewellery, bank deposits and other financial investments connected to the officer and his family members. An SUV and two two-wheelers were also found during the operation.
The case centres on whether the assets identified by investigators can be reconciled with Jena’s known sources of income. In disproportionate-assets investigations, the valuation of property and assessment of declared income are key parts of determining whether the holdings warrant further criminal or departmental action. The information available in the report reflects preliminary search findings, not a final determination of wrongdoing.
The operation also illustrates the administrative reach required in property-related vigilance cases, where assets may be distributed across multiple districts and held in the names of family members. Establishing ownership, acquisition dates, funding sources and current market value will form part of the verification process described by the officials.
Searches were continuing until late Monday evening, and Odisha Vigilance said a detailed assessment of the assets was underway. Further action will depend on the technical valuation and examination of the financial records and other materials collected during the searches.
