Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken serious note of allegations of financial irregularities and misuse of government funds in Bhubaneswar R&B Division-I.

Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has directed the Works Department to conduct a detailed investigation into the allegations and submit a report at the earliest.

Considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the allegations, the Minister has instructed the Works Department to conduct a comprehensive inquiry under the supervision of a senior officer. The investigation will examine all aspects of the alleged financial irregularities.

The department has been asked to provide details of the allegations, fix responsibility on the officials and employees found responsible, and recommend measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.

In addition, Superintending Engineers of all divisions under the Works Department have been directed to scrutinise accounts that have not yet been audited. The reports are to be submitted after being countersigned by the concerned Chief Construction Engineer (CCE).

The matter has been accorded top priority, with instructions for the investigation report to be submitted promptly.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Following the allegations, Minister Harichandan ordered an immediate inquiry.

The Works Department, meanwhile, removed the of the Superintending Engineer of Bhubaneswar R&B Division-I from his post and asked another officer to assume the office as part of the initiative to ensure a fair probe.