July 28,2025 — In a significant anti-corruption operation, Odisha Vigilance officials seized over ₹1.4 crore in unaccounted cash along with gold coins and gold biscuits during raids on the properties of Sudhansu Sekhar Swain, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district.
The raids, which began early Sunday morning, were conducted simultaneously at multiple locations associated with Swain, including his official residence in Paralakhemundi, his ancestral house in Bhadrak district, and premises linked to his relatives.
According to Vigilance sources, officials recovered ₹1.41 crore in cash stashed in almirahs, suitcases, and various concealed locations. Additionally, several gold biscuits and coins were found, the total weight and market value of which are currently being assessed.
“Unaccounted cash amounting to ₹1.41 crore and significant quantities of gold items were seized. We also found documents related to several immovable properties, insurance policies, and investment portfolios,” an official statement from the Odisha Vigilance said.
The team is also examining luxury household items, branded electronic gadgets, and high-value furniture suspected to have been purchased using ill-gotten wealth. A preliminary assessment suggests Swain may have amassed disproportionate assets far exceeding his known sources of income.
Swain has been serving in the Odisha Forest Department for over two decades and was recently posted as DFO of Paralakhemundi. He is now under investigation for alleged violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Vigilance officials have registered a case and are preparing to submit a detailed report to the Directorate of Vigilance. Further forensic audits of seized documents and digital evidence are expected in the coming days.
The development has sparked public concern, with many questioning the extent of corruption within the state’s forest and environmental administration. Forest officials play a vital role in safeguarding Odisha’s rich ecological zones, many of which fall in tribal-dominated and economically sensitive areas.
Meanwhile, the Odisha government has stated that strict action will be taken against any official found guilty. “This is a serious matter. We will ensure the investigation is fair and thorough. No one will be spared,” a senior government official said.
The raids come amid a broader statewide crackdown on corruption within the bureaucracy, with similar actions taken against officials from other departments in recent months.
