The Odisha Vigilance wing has unearthed a staggering array of disproportionate assets linked to Tapan Sethi, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the R&B Sub-Division in Badachana, Jajpur.
The ongoing searches have thus far revealed multiple high-value properties spread across Kataka, Bhubaneswar, and Puri, alongside substantial gold reserves and luxury vehicles.
Assets Unearthed So Far
The extensive search operations across properties associated with Sethi and his family members have brought to light a massive real estate and luxury portfolio:
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Real Estate & Buildings:
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A triple-storey building spanning approximately 2,000 sq. ft. at Plot No. F/779, Sector-7, CDA, Kataka.
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Another triple-storey building covering roughly 3,600 sq. ft. in Sidha Mahavir, Puri.
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A double-storey building measuring about 2,200 sq. ft. in Kantabada, Bhubaneswar.
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A sprawling 1-acre farmhouse located at Kantapada near Kataka.
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Three high-value plots, including two in Bhubaneswar and one in CDA, Kataka.
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Note: The precise measurement and valuation of these buildings and plots are currently being assessed by the Vigilance Technical Wing.
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Valuables & Financial Instruments:
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Approximately 550 grams of gold jewellery.
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Financial deposits and other investments, which are currently under active scrutiny.
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A bank locker operated by Sethi at the SBI Main Branch in Bhubaneswar, which remains to be opened.
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Vehicles:
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Two four-wheelers (a Grand Vitara and a Hyundai Santro) and two two-wheelers.
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Service Background
Sri Tapan Sethi (born August 24, 1972) entered government service nearly three decades ago on August 6, 1997, joining as a Junior Engineer (Civil) under the Engineer-in-Chief (Civil), Odisha, with an initial monthly salary of Rs. 5,000.
Over the years, his career spanned multiple postings across the state:
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Dhenkanal & Angul (1997–2008): Served as JE in the NH Division, Dhenkanal, including a stint at NH Section-II, Boinda.
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Jagatsinghpur (2008–2018): Served as JE in the R&B Division, Jagatsinghpur, covering the Kantapada R&B Section.
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Kendrapada (2018–2022): Promoted as Assistant Engineer in the Kendrapada R&B Division.
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Bhubaneswar & Badachana (2022–Present): Promoted as AEE (Civil) in R&B Division-III, Bhubaneswar, before transferring in October 2023 to the R&B Sub-Division in Badachana, where he has been continuing to date.
The vigilance searches are still ongoing, and further details regarding his total financial footprint are expected to emerge as authorities delve deeper into his investments and open pending bank lockers.
