Odisha Vigilance secured a conviction against two former officials of Achutananda Nodal UP School, Rasalpur, Balasore, in a corruption case involving misappropriation of government funds under the Sarba Sikhya Abhijan (SSA) scheme.
On February 20, 2026, the Special Judge, Vigilance, Balasore, convicted Suresh Chandra Das, former in-charge headmaster (retired), and Govinda Behera, former VEC president of the school. The court sentenced each to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000.
The case dates back to 2011, when the accused misappropriated funds allotted for constructing additional classrooms without executing the work. Odisha Vigilance had charge-sheeted them under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy.
Following the conviction, Odisha Vigilance announced that it will move the competent authority to stop the pension of Suresh Chandra Das. Officials said the judgment reinforces accountability and sends a strong message against corruption in the education sector.
The conviction highlights Vigilance’s continued efforts to curb the misuse of government funds meant for welfare and development. Authorities stressed that strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws remains a priority to protect public resources and ensure transparency.
