Odisha Vigilance achieved another success in its anti-corruption drive after securing the conviction of a retired Junior Engineer from Balisankara Block in Sundargarh district.
The court found him guilty of misappropriating government funds under the Employment Assurance Scheme.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Special Judge (Vigilance), Sundargarh, convicted Anup Kumar Das, former Junior Engineer of Balisankara Block, for showing excess excavation work while constructing a pond under the scheme. Investigators proved that he forged labourers’ signatures and thumb impressions on muster rolls to siphon off funds.
The court sentenced Das to two years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine. Odisha Vigilance announced that it will approach the competent authority to stop his pension following the conviction.
Officials said the case demonstrated the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public works. Vigilance officers had earlier filed a charge sheet under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(c)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Sections 409, 477-A, and 34 of the IPC.
