Corruption Scandal Rocks Odisha’s Watershed Department
A massive corruption scandal has hit the Watershed Development Department in Odisha’s Rayagada district, with allegations of large-scale embezzlement of funds meant for farm pond excavation under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).
Four government officials, including an Assistant Project Director and three others, have been apprehended for allegedly siphoning off over Rs 20 lakh meant for farm pond excavation. The accused officials have been identified as Rajendra Nath Naik, Assistant Project Director-cum-Project Implementing Agency (Class-1), Jogendra Khosla and Deepak Kumar Sahoo, both Soil Conservation Overseers, and Srikumar Nayak, Soil Conservation Extension Worker.
The corruption appears to be widespread, with reports surfacing of irregularities in various projects, including Silver Oak tree plantation and coffee sapling plantation. Key allegations include:
– Widespread corruption in Watershed Department projects
– Irregularities in Silver Oak tree plantation and coffee sapling plantation
– Involvement of high-ranking officials suspected
– Low-level officials already apprehended
The public and intellectuals are demanding accountability, wondering when those responsible will be brought to justice. The issue has sparked a wave of criticism, with many calling for a thorough investigation and strict action against those involved.
The Koraput Vigilance has registered a case against the accused officials, and further investigation is in progress. As the investigation continues, the public awaits answers on the extent of corruption and the accountability of those involved. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
Reported by Gouri Shankar Pattnaik
