Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance has initiated a probe into alleged corruption and embezzlement of government funds in the installation of LED street lighting works in Kendujhar, Nayagada, and Jajpur districts during 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Acting on credible information, the anti-corruption agency has deployed 24 teams comprising 81 officers, including additional superintendents of police, deputy superintendents of police, inspectors, and other personnel. Each of the three districts has been assigned 27 officers to ensure swift and coordinated investigations.
The project, ‘implementation of LED street lighting system in one village of each GP on turnkey basis including Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC)’ was launched under State Finance Commission devolution grants.
The initial field inquiries revealed massive irregularities, including blatant violations of tender guidelines. The Vigilance teams found that several vital components— such as energy meters, 500 metres of cable, MCCB, eye hooks, suspension clamps, dead-end clamps, and photo switch timers — were not installed for clusters of 10 LED lights each. Despite this, bills were reportedly drawn by showing these items as fully supplied and installed, resulting in significant misappropriation of public funds.
On-the-spot technical inspections and verifications are being conducted at 50 locations across the three districts to quantify the extent of the financial loss and identify the involvement of government officials and executing agencies.The inquiry is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days, the Vigilance release added.
