Cuttack: On basis of a tip-off regarding alleged corruption and embezzlement of government funds in LED street lighting works across gram panchayats in three districts, Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday launched a field inquiry.

The agency is conducting technical inspections at around 50 locations across Kendujhar, Nayagada and Jajpur districts. The LED street lighting projects under scrutiny were executed during 2021–22 and 2022–23.

According to official sources, the inquiry aims to assess the extent of misappropriation of government funds and determine the involvement of government officials as well as executing agencies.

For the investigation, Odisha Vigilance has deployed 24 teams comprising 81 officers, including Additional Superintendents of Police (SPs), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and Inspectors, across the three districts.

Preliminary findings suggest the LED street lighting systems were implemented in one village of each gram panchayat on a turnkey basis, including a Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC). The projects were funded under the State Finance Commission devolution grants.

Officials have detected major irregularities, including alleged violations of tender guidelines and non-installation of key components such as energy meters, cables, MCCBs, eye hooks, suspension clamps, dead-end clamps and photo switch timers. Despite this, payments were reportedly withdrawn by falsely showing these components as installed, leading to suspected misappropriation of government funds.

Further investigation is underway.