Bhubaneswar, June 25: Odisha Vigilance on Thursday arrested three contractors for their alleged role in the misappropriation of nearly ₹3 crore in government funds earmarked for LED street lighting projects undertaken in three districts between 2021 and 2023.
The arrested contractors have been identified as Girija Sankar Dash, proprietor of M/s Transpower, Baripada; 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, the accused were produced before the respective Vigilance Courts.
The anti-corruption agency has registered three separate cases—Vigilance Cell Police Station Case Nos. 5, 6 and 7 of 2026—under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code.
According to Vigilance officials, the three contractors were awarded contracts for the installation of LED streetlights in different districts and emerged as the key accused during the investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that government funds amounting to approximately ₹3 crore were siphoned off during the execution of the projects.
The street lighting works were carried out using grants provided under the 5th State Finance Commission Devolution Fund between 2021 and 2023. Investigators have identified around 1,000 lighting clusters across the three districts, with each cluster comprising 10 LED streetlights.
As part of the ongoing probe, technical experts have been engaged to inspect all identified clusters and assess deficiencies, shortfalls, and possible financial irregularities in the implementation of the projects. Vigilance officials are also seizing and examining project-related records to trace the flow of funds and determine whether any government functionaries were involved in the alleged fraud.
The investigation remains underway, and officials indicated that further action could be taken based on the findings of the continuing inquiry.
