Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance has arrested three persons in connection with the alleged irregularities in the installation of LED street lights in villages in Kendujhar, Nayagada and Jajpur districts.

The Vigilance sleuths have arrested Girija Sankar Dash, the proprietor of Transpower at Baripada in Mayurbhanj; Dharanidhar Sahoo, the proprietor of Biraja Electrical and Constructions at Jajpur Town; and Bibhuti Ranjan Biswal, the proprietor of Jogamaya Traders Pro at Khandagiri in Bhubaneswar for their alleged involvement in misappropriation of government funds to the tune of Rs 3 crore in the street light scam.

The Odisha Vigilance has registered three separate cases against the arrested persons under the relevant Sections of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and IPC.

According to the Vigilance Department, the three accused had been awarded the contracts to install LED street lights in some villages in the three districts between 2021 and 2023.

The three districts had received the funds as per the recommendations of the 5^th State Finance Commission for installation of LED street lights in gram panchayats.

“As per the preliminary investigation, the three accused had misappropriated government funds worth around Rs 3 crore. Our officials have seized incriminating documents and further investigation on the matter is underway,” said the Vigilance Department.