What Assets Did Odisha Vigilance Discover in DA Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant operation, Odisha Vigilance has uncovered assets worth crores linked to a junior engineer in Nuapada. The investigation raises questions about corruption and asset misappropriation. The anti-corruption efforts continue to combat financial misconduct in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Vigilance is actively combating corruption through extensive investigations.
- Significant assets were uncovered linked to a junior engineer.
- Searches covered multiple locations, indicating a broad scope of investigation.
- Vigilance is assessing the true value of the discovered properties.
- Corruption cases highlight the need for transparency in public service.
Bhubaneswar, May 23 (NationPress) On Friday, the Odisha Vigilance revealed assets valued in crores during searches of various properties associated with Susanta Kumar Sethy, a junior engineer (JE) from the Roads and Buildings Division (R&B), stationed in Khariar, Nuapada district, according to an official announcement.
Following allegations regarding the possession of assets disproportionate to his known income, coordinated searches were executed at Sethy's residences on Thursday across Bhubaneswar, Pipili (Puri), and Nuapada.
The search locations encompassed his governmental quarter in Nuapada, a farmhouse situated in the Pipili region of Puri district, as well as residences of relatives and associates in Bhubaneswar.
“Eight teams from Odisha Vigilance, consisting of seven Deputy Superintendents of Police, three Inspectors, ten Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and additional support staff, conducted the searches with authorization from the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar,” a senior official stated.
During these searches, officials discovered that Sethy and his family held ownership of three multi-storey buildings, one farmhouse, nine high-value plots (including three in Bhubaneswar, five in Pipili, and one in Rayagada town), gold ornaments weighing 100 grams, bank and insurance deposits totaling ₹55 lakh, one four-wheeler, five two-wheelers, one Benami four-wheeler, and household items worth approximately ₹10 lakh.
Vigilance sources indicated that the Registered Sale Deed (RSD) valuation of the land plots is estimated at ₹1.01 Crore, with the actual value likely exceeding this amount.
The anti-corruption unit of the Odisha government suspects that the plots were undervalued during registration.
The Vigilance Technical Wing is currently assessing the measurement and valuation of the buildings, farmhouse, and land plots to establish the true worth of Sethy's assets.
In a separate incident, vigilance officials apprehended Gopal Krishna Pradhan, a Senior Revenue Assistant (SRA) at Baripada Municipality, Mayurbhanj district, red-handed for accepting an illegal bribe from a trader to expedite the processing of his application for two shops in his deceased father's name at the Baripada Municipality market complex.
The trader had been seeking Pradhan's assistance since January 2025, but the accused demanded a bribe to move forward with the application. Left with no alternatives, the complainant contacted Vigilance authorities, leading to Pradhan's arrest on Friday.
Point of View
The ongoing investigations by Odisha Vigilance serve as a reminder of the critical need for accountability in public service. This case exemplifies the dedication required to uphold integrity within governmental operations, reinforcing the commitment to a transparent system that prioritizes the public's trust.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the searches by Odisha Vigilance?
The searches were initiated based on allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to the known income of Susanta Kumar Sethy.
What type of assets were discovered?
Officials found multi-storey buildings, a farmhouse, high-value plots, gold ornaments, bank deposits, vehicles, and household items.
How many teams were involved in the searches?
Eight teams comprising various police ranks and staff members conducted the searches.
What was the valuation of the discovered plots?
The Registered Sale Deed value was estimated at ₹1.01 Crore, though the actual value is likely higher.
Was anyone else arrested during the investigation?
Yes, Gopal Krishna Pradhan, a Senior Revenue Assistant, was also apprehended for accepting a bribe.
