By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief, The Politics
Bhubaneswar, July 29 — A major vigilance operation is making headlines across Odisha. Rajkishore Jena, an Assistant Engineer in the R&B Division-2 of Bhubaneswar, is under serious scrutiny for alleged disproportionate assets. The Vigilance Department has conducted simultaneous raids at 10 properties connected to him — including his house, offices, in-laws’ residences, and commercial holdings in Bhubaneswar and Nayagarh.
Here’s a quick list of the raided locations:
- A three-storey house at Plot No. 226, Sector-5, Niladri Vihar, Bhubaneswar
- Flat E-083, 8th Floor, Cosmopolis Apartment
- Shop No. 16, Symphony Mall, Pahal
- Ancestral house in Jagannathprasad, Nayagarh
- His office chamber
- In-laws’ house at Patia
- Another in-law’s residence in Shivajinagar, Nayagarh
- Flat H-164, Tower H, Cosmopolis
- Plot No. 549/3177/3368 at Dumduma, Bhubaneswar
- ASN Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd office at Plot No. 617, Jagamara
What caught public attention the most wasn’t just the raids, but a sharp and emotional reaction from his wife. She claimed to the media, “The BJP government is targeting us. Why aren’t they raiding the homes of politicians? Why only engineers?” She further called upon the Engineers’ Association to protest and questioned the assets of vigilance officers themselves.
Her video went viral — earning her the title “Madam in the Spotlight” on social media. The internet is buzzing, not just with memes and reactions, but with a deeper question: Why is action only being taken against government officers and not corrupt politicians?
This question is critical in today’s Odisha.
The BJP government came to power promising transparency and good governance. But this case has opened up a Pandora’s box of public doubt. People are now asking — is the system really fair, or is it selectively targeting a few while protecting others?
As Editor-in-Chief of The Politics, I believe vigilance must be equal and fearless. If an engineer can be scrutinised for disproportionate assets, why not elected leaders? After all, corruption is corruption — whether it comes from an office desk or a political chair.
If the government wants to restore public trust, it must go beyond symbolic raids. It must show that no one is above the law — not even the powerful.
Only then will people believe that the fight against corruption is real — not just convenient.
