Bhubaneswar, Dec. 22: Vigilance sleuths today raided the office and residence of works department engineer-in-chief Sukadev Meher in connection with a disproportionate assets case and seized properties worth at least Rs 2.8 crore.

Six vigilance teams raided six places, including Meher's residence at Kharavela Nagar, office at Nirman Soudha, works department head office and his paternal house in Balangir. A case was lodged against him on December 18.

The properties traced today included a shop in Balangir, a three-storey building at the same place, a two-storey building at Siripur and a flat in Bhubaneswar.

"We have also found several plots in Balangir and Bhubaneswar and bank deposits worth Rs 92 lakh in the names of Meher and his family members. His bank lockers are yet to be opened," said a vigilance sleuth.

Temple security

Police today convened a meeting with Lingaraj Temple authorities to tighten the shrine's security in the wake of the recent arrest of Abdul Rahman, a suspected member of al Qaida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).

Archaeological Survey of India has also been requested to set up two watchtowers on the temple premises. "We have also requested the airport to find out the legal provisions for flying drones to keep an eye on the temple," said police commissioner R.P. Sharma.