Retired Engineer Jailed for Embezzling MGNREGA Funds in Keonjhar
In a decisive blow against corruption in public service, the Special Judge (Vigilance) in Keonjhar has sentenced Gourahari Sahu, a retired Assistant Engineer of Champua Block, to two years of rigorous imprisonment for misappropriating government funds.
The funds were allocated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for road improvement projects in Odisha’s Keonjhar district.
Sahu was found guilty under multiple provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code, including criminal breach of trust and conspiracy.
The Odisha Vigilance Department, which investigated and charge-sheeted the case, has announced plans to recommend the suspension of Sahu’s pension, reinforcing accountability even after retirement.
This conviction underscores the state’s commitment to transparency and the proper utilization of public funds, especially in schemes aimed at rural development.
