Bhubaneswar, Jun 25: Odisha Vigilance on Thursday arrested three contractors for their alleged involvement in misappropriating government funds worth Rs3 crore in LED streetlight installation projects carried out between 2021 and 2023 across Keonjhar, Nayagarh, and Jajpur districts, officials said.

The arrested individuals have been identified as 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 respective Vigilance Courts.

Odisha Vigilance registered three cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and relevant sections of the IPC.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were awarded contracts in the three districts and allegedly diverted funds meant for LED streetlight installations. The estimated misappropriation amounts to approximately Rs3 crore. Around 1,000 clusters—each comprising 10 LED lights—were installed under grants from the 5th State Finance Commission during 2021–2023.

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Experts are currently examining the installations to identify shortfalls and gather evidence of misappropriation. Connected files are being seized to scrutinize the mechanism of fund disbursal and to probe possible connivance of government officials in the irregularities.

Officials stated that the arrests mark a significant step in addressing corruption in public works projects. The investigation is ongoing, with further scrutiny expected to reveal the extent of financial irregularities and accountability of those involved.