By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Additional Director of Mines, Umesh Chandra Jena, one of the blue eyed boys of State Government, manning Directorate of Mines, on Friday came under scanner of Vigilance. Initial Vigilance estimates shows, Jena possessed properties worth crore and several plots at prime locations, besides, bank and insurance deposits and ornaments.
Years back, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led Government elevated Jena to the post of Additional Secretary in Steel and Mines department.
Jena’s five locations in Bhubaneswar, his native village at Sirispal in Keonjhar, Building located at Gamaharia in Keonjhar, In-law’s location at Ghasipura in Keonjhar and 5 other places in Keonjhar, are now under Vigilance scanner. Search is in progress and further report follows.
The anti-corruption wing conducting raids the properties of Jena on the allegation of possession of disproportionate assets.
Simultaneous house searches are being conducted by Odisha Vigilance led by 10 DSPS, 7 Inspectors and other staff on the strength of search warrants issued by Special Judge, Vigilance Bhubaneswar at the following places.
It may be noted here that Odisha Mining Scam rocked the Nation when Jena was serving as Joint Director of Mines posted at Joda in Keonjhar. Jena’s dubious role needs to be probed, sources said.
