Kataka/Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance teams on Thursday recovered three multi-storeyed buildings, three high-value plots, a farmhouse, 550 grams of gold jewellery, two four-wheelers and other assets during searches of properties linked to Tapan Sethi, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Sub-Division, Badachana, in Jajpur district.
The simultaneous raids are underway at seven locations across Kataka, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Badachana on allegations that Sethi possesses assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. It is being carried out by teams led by three Additional Superintendents of Police, six Deputy Superintendents of Police, three Inspectors and supporting staff under search warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Kataka.
According to details shared by Odisha Vigilance, assets unearthed so far in the name of Sethi and his family members include:
>> A triple-storey building of about 2,000 sqft at Sector-7, CDA, Kataka.
>> Another triple-storey building of approximately 3,600 sqft at Sidha Mahavir, Puri.
>> A double-storey building of about 2,200 sq ft at Kantabada, Bhubaneswar.
>> A farmhouse spread over one acre at Kantapada near Kataka.
>> Three high-value plots (two in Bhubaneswar and one in CDA, Kataka).
The Vigilance Technical Wing is measuring and assessing the value of these buildings, the farmhouse and the plots.
Officials also recovered around 550 grams of gold jewellery, along with two four-wheelers (a Grand Vitara and a Hyundai Santro) and two two-wheelers. A locker operated by Sethi at the SBI Main Branch in Bhubaneswar is yet to be opened, and deposits and other financial investments are also under verification.
Besides these properties, the serach teams raided a double-storey house at his native place in Jhinkiria under Konark police limits in Puri district; his in-laws’ house at Bantunia near Shiva Mandir in Kataka’s 42 Mouza area; and his office chamber at the R&B Sub-Division, Badachana, under the Superintending Engineer, R&B Division, Charbatia, Choudwar.
Searches are continuing, and further details are expected, the release added.
