The Odisha Vigilance Directorate has released a performance report covering the period from June 12, 2024, to October 27, 2025, highlighting an extensive anti-corruption drive across the state. The report detailed the registration of 302 criminal cases, leading to the arrest of 303 individuals. This included 90 Class-I officers, among them one IAS officer, seven Chief Engineers, and several senior departmental officials.
Major financial recoveries include disproportionate Assets (DA) worth ₹212 crore detected in 80 cases, ₹9.2 crore in cash and 24 kg of gold seized, over 130 trap cases resulted in 161 officials (144 government officers) being caught red-handed while accepting bribes totalling ₹35.62 lakh.
Significant individual recoveries are ₹2.56 crore from Chief Engineer Baikuntha Nath Sarangi, ₹2.08 crore from Santanu Mohapatra (Deputy Director, Watershed, Malkangiri), ₹57 lakh from IAS officer Dhiman Chakma, Sub-Collector, Dharamgarh.
During the same period, 86 cases of misappropriation were registered involving ₹30.43 crore in government funds. Notable misappropriation cases include Debananda Sagar, ex-PEO, Kalahandi for misappropriating ₹3.26 crore through fake transactions.
Santanu Mohapatra, Deputy Director, Watershed, Malkangiri, for embezzling ₹49.9 lakh through false plantation bills.
The Directorate recorded 132 convictions, with an overall conviction rate of 50 per cent, and an impressive 80 pc in DA cases. As a result, thirty officials were dismissed from service, and the pensions of 68 retired officers were stopped following conviction. Over 400 charge sheets were filed against 834 accused persons, including 59 Class-I and 68 Class-II officers.
The State Vigilance Academy trained 1,175 officers from the IAS, IPS, OFS, and other services on anti-corruption laws and good governance practices. Furthermore, the Forest Vigilance Wing conducted 128 joint raids, seizing illegal timber, machinery, and vehicles worth ₹6.15 crore.
The Odisha Vigilance Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in public administration, vowing continued zero tolerance toward corruption in the state.
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