Odisha Vigilance on Thursday arrested three contractors for their alleged involvement in the misappropriation of government funds worth Rs 3 crore in LED street lighting projects executed between 2021 and 2023.
The accused are Girija Sankar Dash, proprietor of M/s Transpower, Baripada; Dharanidhar Sahoo, proprietor of M/s Biraja Electrical and Constructions, Jajpur; and Bibhuti Ranjan Biswal, proprietor of M/s Jogamaya Traders, Bhubaneswar. They were forwarded to the respective Vigilance Courts after their arrest.
Officials said Vigilance Cell PS registered three cases under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and IPC. Investigations revealed that the accused were awarded contracts in Keonjhar, Nayagarh, and Jajpur districts, where large-scale irregularities occurred.
Preliminary estimates suggest misappropriation of approximately Rs 3 crore. Around 1,000 clusters, each consisting of 10 LED lights, were installed in these districts using funds from the 5th State Finance Commission grants. Experts are now examining the installations to identify shortfalls and gather technical evidence.
Connected files have been seized to scrutinise the disbursal of funds and possible connivance of government officials. Vigilance sources confirmed that the arrests mark a significant step in exposing corruption in public infrastructure projects.
Authorities assured that further investigation will determine the extent of misappropriation and identify additional individuals involved.
