ODISHA; MASSIVE ANTI-CORRUPTION CRACKDOWN (!)
Bureau,Odishabarta
Odisha Vigilance Raids Jajpur Engineer Tapan Sethi: Multi-Storey Mansions, 550g Gold, 1-Acre Farmhouse & SBI Locker Unearthed
BHUBANESWAR / CUTTACK (October 22, 2026) — In one of the most high-profile anti-corruption operations in recent months, the Odisha Vigilance Directorate launched simultaneous raids across seven strategically targeted locations linked to Tapan Sethi, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the R&B Sub-Division, Badachana, Jajpur.
Acting on solid intelligence and court warrants issued by the Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack, a massive force comprising 3 Additional SPs, 6 DSPs, 3 Inspectors, and auxiliary law enforcement officers executed coordinated search operations across Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Jajpur.
Sethi, who functions under the Superintending Engineer, R&B Division, Charbatia (Choudwar), is under severe legal scrutiny for allegedly accumulating illicit wealth far exceeding his legitimate and known sources of income.
THE EMPIRE UNEARTHED: KEY SEIZURES & DISCLOSURES
As technical assessment teams and forensic auditors systematically comb through the premise files, the initial inventory reveals staggering disproportionate real estate holdings, precious metals, and luxury assets held under Sethi’s name and that of his family members:
1. High-Value Real Estate Portfolio
CDA Cuttack Residence: A sprawling triple-storeyed residential mansion measuring approximately 2,000 sq. ft. at Plot No. F/779, Sector-7, CDA, Cuttack.
Puri Property: A prime 3,600 sq. ft. triple-storeyed building situated at Sidha Mahavir, Puri.
Bhubaneswar House: A double-storeyed property covering 2,200 sq. ft. at Kantabada, Bhubaneswar.
Private Estate: A luxury 1-acre farmhouse equipped with a simplex structure located at Kantapada near Cuttack.
Valuable Land Parcels: At least 3 high-value land plots, including two strategically situated plots in Bhubaneswar and one in the prime CDA sector of Cuttack.
Ancestral & In-Law Properties: A double-storeyed ancestral residence at Jhinkiria (PS Konark, Puri) and his in-laws’ house at Bantunia (42 Mouza, Cuttack).
2. Precious Metals & Wealth Assets
Gold Jewellery: Over 550 grams of gold ornaments seized during search operations.
Vehicular Assets: 2 four-wheelers (a SUV Grand Vitara and a Hyundai Santro) alongside 2 two-wheelers.
3. Unopened Bank Locker & Financial Instruments
Vigilance sleuths have frozen a bank locker operated by Sethi at the State Bank of India (SBI) Main Branch, Bhubaneswar, which is slated to be opened and inventoried shortly.
Extensive deposits, fixed instruments, mutual funds, and undisclosed investment trails are currently undergoing verification by specialized financial analysts.
SEARCH LOCATIONS AT A GLANCE
| # | Location / Premise | District / City |
| 1 | Plot No. F/779, Sector-7, CDA | Cuttack |
| 2 | Sidha Mahavir | Puri |
| 3 | 1-Acre Farmhouse, Kantapada | Cuttack |
| 4 | Native Residence, Jhinkiria (Konark PS) | Puri |
| 5 | In-laws’ Residence, Bantunia (42 Mouza) | Cuttack |
| 6 | Kantabada Residence | Bhubaneswar |
| 7 | Official Chamber, R&B Sub-Division, Badachana | Jajpur |
TECHNICAL EVALUATION UNDERWAY
Officers from the Vigilance Technical Wing (civil engineering and valuation experts) have been deployed at each property site to conduct precise layout measurements, structurally evaluate the construction costs, and calculate the true market valuation of all buildings and land plots.
Official Statement: Vigilance officials confirmed that search operations remain active across several points. A detailed valuation report and formal legal proceedings under the Odisha Special Courts Act / Prevention of Corruption Act will follow as financial evaluations conclude
