Odisha Vigilance apprehended three contractors for allegedly diverting approximately Rs 3 crore of government funds meant for LED street lighting projects in Kendujhar, Nayagarh, and Jajpur districts between 2021 and 2023. The arrested individuals include Girija Sankar Dash from Baripada, Dharanidhar Sahoo from Jajpur town, and Bibhuti Ranjan Biswal from Bhubaneswar.
The accused were identified as Girija Sankar Dash, the owner of M/s Transpower, and Dharanidhar Sahoo and Bibhuti Ranjan Biswal, who own M/s Biraja Electrical and Constructions and M/s Jogamaya Traders Pro, respectively. They were taken into custody and presented before Vigilance Courts for their alleged involvement in the misappropriation of funds for LED street lighting projects.
Odisha Vigilance has filed three separate cases at the Vigilance Cell Police Station under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code against the accused contractors. The investigation revealed that the contractors, who secured contracts in Kendujhar, Nayagarh, and Jajpur districts, are the primary suspects in the misappropriation cases.
According to Odisha Vigilance, an initial assessment suggests a misappropriation of about Rs 3 crore across the three districts. The installations, funded by the 5th State Finance Commission devolution grants from 2021 to 2023, involved around 1,000 clusters with 10 LED lights each. Authorities are scrutinizing these clusters to identify discrepancies and misappropriations. Additionally, files related to the alleged scam have been seized for further examination of fund disbursement mechanisms and potential involvement of government officials.
