By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: In a major action against corruption and public fund misappropriation, Odisha Vigilance today arrested three individuals—including two government engineering officials and a private contractor in connection with financial irregularities in the Reclamation and Renovation of Pattanaik Tank project at Paralakhemundi, Gajapati.
The extensive investigation by Odisha Vigilance revealed a planned misappropriation of government funds amounting to Rs.55,69,033/- through fake measurement book (MB) entries and sub-standard project execution.
*Investigation Findings*
Project Period: 2019 to 2022.
Total Disbursed Amount:
Rs.1,22,40,700/- (Paid across 3 Running Account [RA] bills after statutory tax deductions)
Falsification of Records:
Ex-J.E. Sri D. Yudhistir recorded deliberately inflated and false measurement entries in the official Measurement Books (MBs) for work that was either non-existent or sub-standard.
Check Measurement: M.E. Sri Sanjeev Champati knowingly endorsed and validated the false measurements as “correct” during official check measurements.
Unlawful Financial Gain:
Based on these fraudulent endorsements, an aggregate sum of Rs.1,22,40,700/- was paid to contractor Sri Surendra Panigrahi.
*Government Loss*:
*An independent technical assessment by Odisha Vigilance confirmed sub-standard/less execution of work to the extent of Rs.55,69,033/-, causing a direct loss to the state exchequer.*
In this connection, Brahmapur Vigilance P.S. Case No. 07/2026, U/s- 13(2) r/w13 (1)(a) PC (Amendment) Act, 2018/120-B/409/420/468/471/
All 3 accused persons will be forwarded to the court today.
Investigation continuing.
