Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance Directorate has made significant strides in combating corruption during the period from June 12 to October 26, 2024, marking record cases, arrests, and asset seizures.
According to an official press statement, during the period from June 12 to October 26, 2024, Vigilance registered 88 criminal cases involving 123 individuals, including 24 Class-I and 12 Class-II officers, with a focus on corruption and misuse of public funds. This intensified anti-corruption campaign has led to 26 cases concerning disproportionate assets worth Rs 77.28 crore.
In a notable interception case on August 1, 2024, Odisha Administrative Services officer Akhyamita Kartik, Block Development Officer of Golamunda Block, was apprehended en route to Koraput with Rs 5.4 lakh in suspected ill-gotten cash, further underscoring the Directorate’s commitment to vigilance.
Odisha Vigilance has also tackled bribery with 45 registered trap cases, implicating 48 public servants and six private individuals. The cumulative bribe amount seized in these cases stands at Rs 10.52 lakh. The department has pursued 17 misappropriation cases against 20 public officials and three private persons, with misappropriated funds totaling Rs 5.11 crore.
Odisha Vigilance’s investigative progress is evident in the filing of 77 charge sheets involving 156 individuals, including 18 Class-I officers and 18 Class-II officers. Additionally, the period saw 89 arrests across various ranks, further affirming the state’s anti-corruption stance.
The department also achieved a conviction rate of around 50% in its cases, with 32 cases ending in conviction. In cases specifically targeting disproportionate assets, the conviction rate reached an impressive 80%. This period recorded the dismissal of eight public servants and the suspension of pensions for 11 retired officials due to corruption convictions.
Furthermore, the Vigilance Department has been active in scrutinizing public servant integrity, initiating 68 inquiries and closing 40 after thorough examination. Vigilance clearances were issued for 12,176 public servants to facilitate promotions, retirement, and other official processes.
The Forest Wing of Vigilance has also been active, conducting 41 joint raids and seizing timber, machinery, and vehicles worth over Rs. 1.66 crore, in collaboration with local forest officials, reinforcing anti-corruption efforts within environmental management.
This robust crackdown underscores Odisha Vigilance’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring transparency and accountability in public service.
