Bhubaneswar, June 25: Odisha Vigilance has arrested three contractors for their alleged involvement in the misappropriation of nearly ₹3 crore of government funds meant for LED street lighting projects implemented in three districts between 2021 and 2023.

The arrested contractors have been identified as Girija Sankar Dash, proprietor of M/s Transpower, Baripada in Mayurbhanj district; 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, all three were produced before the respective Vigilance Courts.

Odisha Vigilance has registered three separate cases—Vigilance Cell Police Station Case Nos. 5, 6 and 7 of 2026—under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code.

According to Vigilance officials, the contractors were awarded LED streetlight installation projects funded under the 5th State Finance Commission Devolution Fund. During the investigation, they were identified as the principal accused in alleged irregularities involving the execution of the projects.

Preliminary findings suggest that government funds amounting to around ₹3 crore were misappropriated during the implementation of the works. Investigators have identified nearly 1,000 lighting clusters spread across the three districts, with each cluster comprising 10 LED streetlights.

Technical experts have been engaged to inspect the lighting installations and assess deficiencies, shortfalls and possible financial irregularities. Vigilance teams are also scrutinising project documents, payment records and administrative approvals to determine how funds were disbursed and whether any government officials were involved in the alleged fraud.

Officials said the investigation is continuing, and further arrests or legal action may follow based on the findings of the ongoing probe.

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