Odisha Vigilance achieved another major success today by securing the conviction of a retired Assistant Horticulture Officer from Nilgiri, Balasore, in a corruption case linked to fund misuse under the National Horticulture Mission scheme.
On April 30, 2026, the Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Balasore, convicted Prasanta Kumar Mishra, Former Assistant Horticulture Officer, Nilgiri, Balasore, for misappropriating government money meant for the preparation of a new banana garden. Odisha Vigilance had charge-sheeted him under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 409 of the IPC.
Investigators found that Mishra diverted funds allocated for the horticulture project, violating financial norms and accountability standards. The court sentenced him to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000.
Following the conviction, Odisha Vigilance will approach the competent authority to stop Mishra’s pension. The verdict marks the third conviction of the day for the Vigilance Department, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and strict action against corruption.
