Rayagada, ( OT Webdesk)— In a major crackdown on corruption, Odisha Vigilance has arrested four officials from the Watershed office in Rayagada for allegedly misappropriating Rs 20 lakh under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme (NREGS).
The funds were reportedly meant for the excavation of 23 farm ponds in the Kashipur Block but were fraudulently deposited into labourers’ accounts before being withdrawn.
The arrested officials are Rajendra Nath Naik (Assistant Project Director), Jogendra Khosla (Soil Conservation Overseer), Deepak Kumar Sahoo (Soil Conservation Overseer), and SriKumar Nayak (Soil Conservation Extension Worker).
Odisha Vigilance launched an inquiry following allegations that the farm ponds were not excavated despite the sanctioned funds.
Investigators are now verifying the actual status of the excavation work, particularly in remote and forested areas, suspecting further financial misappropriation.
A case has been registered at Koraput Vigilance Police Station (Case No. 20/21.05.2025). Officials emphasise their ongoing commitment to combating corruption and ensuring transparency in government fund distribution.
