Odisha Lokayukta Orders Action Against 21 For Fraud In Toilet Construction

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Lokayukta has ordered action against 21 persons for fraud amounting to Rs 16 lakh in the construction of toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission in Gop block of Puri district.

Hearing a petition in the matter, the Lokayukta directed the state Vigilance department to take appropriate action against the 21 accused, including two engineers of Gop block, three NGOs and other beneficiaries, reports said on Wednesday.

A local resident, Gangadhara Paikray had lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta, alleging corruption in toilets constructed under the scheme. Though 750 toilets were shown as constructed in Andara Ichhapur panchayat under Gop block, the reality was different.

After conducting a probe, the vigilance department in a report to the Lokayukta had stated that Rs 16 lakh had been misappropriated by producing fake bills for 119 toilets.

Hearing the case, the Lokayukta on Tuesday held 21 persons guilty in the case and directed the vigilance department to take action against them.

Stating that he had lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta regarding corruption in toilet construction in 2020, Paikray told the media that the Lokayukta has directed the Vigilance wing to take action aaginst the guilty.