“Cash Rain” in Bhubaneswar as Odisha Govt Officer Tries to Ditch ₹500 Notes During Raid

GG News Bureau
Bhubaneswar, 30th May: In a bizarre scene that stunned residents of Bhubaneswar, a flurry of ₹500 notes poured from the window of a city apartment—leaving bystanders wondering if it was a film shoot. But the reality was far more serious.

The man behind the cash shower has been identified as Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, a senior engineer in Odisha’s Rural Development Department. As vigilance officials closed in on his Dumduma flat for a corruption raid, Sarangi reportedly tried to get rid of the evidence by tossing bundles of cash out the window. The bundles—worth lakhs—were promptly recovered by officials in the presence of witnesses.

The raids, carried out simultaneously at seven different locations in Bhubaneswar, Angul, and Puri, led to the recovery of over ₹2.1 crore in unaccounted cash. A staggering ₹1.1 crore was found at his Angul home and another ₹1 crore at his flat in the state capital. Other properties, including his ancestral house and a relative’s residence, were also searched.

Officials say the search operation was launched following credible inputs about Sarangi possessing assets disproportionate to his known income. A 26-member team comprising senior police officers, inspectors, and technical staff carried out the high-profile raid.

Videos from the scene show officials sorting through piles of currency—mainly ₹500 notes—along with ₹200, ₹100, and ₹50 denominations. The counting process is still underway.

The image of a government officer literally throwing money out the window has sparked outrage and disbelief, highlighting once again the deep roots of corruption in public service.