49 Plots, 2 Farmhouses, 940 Grams of Gold Found in Vigilance Raids on Odisha Engineer

The Odisha Vigilance Department on Friday unearthed assets disproportionate to known sources of income allegedly linked to Satyanarayan Sethy, an assistant executive engineer posted in Kotpad block of Koraput district, officials said.

According to Vigilance authorities, simultaneous searches were conducted at seven locations associated with Sethy, including his residences, office premises and other properties, following allegations of amassing wealth beyond his legitimate earnings.

During the raids, officials detected 49 high-value plots , two farmhouses, around 940 grams of gold jewellery , 2.5 kg of silver and Rs 5.48 lakh in cash. Investigators also traced two flats and bank and postal deposits worth Rs 60.92 lakh , which are currently under verification.

Vigilance officials said one farmhouse, spread across 10.03 acres , was located in Boriguma block of Koraput district and featured mango and eucalyptus plantations. Another farmhouse measuring 4.35 acres, with Nilgiri plantations, was also found in the same area.

The searches were carried out by seven Odisha Vigilance teams comprising seven DSPs, nine inspectors, 11 assistant sub-inspectors and supporting staff. The operation was conducted on the basis of search warrants issued by the court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Jeypore.

Officials said the investigation remains underway and additional assets may be identified as verification and searches continue.

According to Vigilance records, Sethy joined government service in 1998 as a junior engineer in the office of the chief engineer, Upper Kolab Division, Koraput, with an initial salary of Rs 7,100 per month. He was promoted as assistant engineer in 2015 and posted to Kotpad block. In June 2020, he was transferred to Boriguma block before being elevated to the rank of assistant executive engineer in 2025.