Vigilance probing if govt officials showed undue favour to

The anti-corruption Vigilance wing of Odisha Police has launched a probe to ascertain the role of government officials, if any, in showing undue favour to a gangster, who is now behind bars.

The state vigilance has initiated an enquiry in order to find out the role, involvement and connivance, if any, of government officials in extending undue favour to Titto @ Syed Usaman Ali of Kendrapada district, an accused many criminal cases, a vigilance statement said.

The probe would also find out possible role of officials in extending undue favour to Titto's family members and associates in acquiring sand sairats, land and petrol pump, vehicles and their permits by abusing their official positions, causing wrongful loss to government, it said.

The vigilance cell, Cuttack is conducting the enquiry, which would put officials under scanner to find out any undue favour to provide wrongful gain to Titto, his family members and associates, it said.

Officers of Vigilance Cell have also visited the office of the Special Task Force (STF) of state crime branch in Bhubaneswar which is currently investigating a number of criminal cases against Titto, discussed with the STF officials and collected the relevant documents and records.

In course of enquiry, the Vigilance Cell will look into liability of government officials of various departments on the above aspects under Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 along with other offences.

The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) last week had sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged irregularities in allotment of two retail outlets in Odisha to the family Titto.

"In view of several irregularities and seriousness of issues involved, Ministry of Petroleum, with the approval of Minister (PNG) has advised IOCL to refer the matter to CBI for thorough investigation," an IOCL official said adding the company accordingly referred the matter to CBI for investigation and necessary action.

Several members of Tittos gang are believed to have gone underground after he was arrested following an encounter in Jajpur district on June 30. The 56-year-old gangster, who was arrested several times earlier, faces many criminal cases involving murder, attempt to murder and extortion.