In a significant development, Odisha Vigilance has apprehended contractor Laxmidhara Routaray for allegedly misappropriating government funds amounting to ₹57 lakh.
The arrest followed accusations that Routaray, in collaboration with Harishchandra Bentkar, a Soil Conservation Overseer, failed to execute 22 Loose Boulder Check Dams despite receiving the allocated funds.
The case, registered on April 24, 2024, includes charges under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Amendment Act, 2018. Routaray is now being forwarded to the court of the Special Vigilance Judge, Bhawanipatna.
Efforts are underway to apprehend two more individuals—Harishchandra Bentkar and another contractor, Abhilash Meher—allegedly involved in the scandal.
