Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Thursday arrested three contractors for their alleged involvement in misappropriation of government funds amounting to nearly ₹3 crore in LED street lighting projects executed across three districts between 2021 and 2023.
The arrested persons have been identified as Girija Sankar Dash, proprietor of M/s Transpower, Baripada in Mayurbhanj district; Dharanidhar Sahoo, proprietor of M/s Biraja Electrical and Constructions, Jajpur Town; and Bibhuti Ranjan Biswal, proprietor of M/s Jogamaya Traders Pro, Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar.
Following their arrest, all three accused were forwarded to the respective Vigilance Courts.
In connection with the alleged irregularities, Odisha Vigilance registered three separate cases—Vigilance Cell Police Station Case Nos. 5, 6 and 7 of 2026—under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code.
According to Vigilance officials, the accused contractors had been awarded LED street lighting installation contracts in three districts and were identified as the principal accused during the course of investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that government funds to the tune of approximately ₹3 crore were misappropriated during the execution of the projects.
The LED street lighting works were undertaken using grants received under the 5th State Finance Commission Devolution Fund during the period from 2021 to 2023. Investigators have identified around 1,000 lighting clusters across the three districts, with each cluster comprising 10 LED streetlights.
Vigilance authorities stated that technical experts are currently examining all the clusters to assess the extent of deficiencies, shortfalls and financial irregularities in the execution of the works. Relevant project files and records are also being seized and scrutinised to determine the fund disbursal mechanism and ascertain whether any government officials were involved in the alleged fraud.
The investigation is continuing, and further action may follow based on the findings of the ongoing probe.
