Allegations of massive corruption rock Odisha’s Barpali NAC, Councillors lock office in protest

Serious allegations of corruption have surfaced against officials of the Barpali Notified Area Council (NAC), with elected councillors accusing the Executive Officer Kailash Urma and a Junior Engineer (JE) of large-scale financial irregularities across multiple developmental projects.

All councillors from the Bijepur zone reportedly locked the NAC office recently in protest, claiming that the EO and JE have been carrying out works arbitrarily, bypassing government norms. They have demanded a thorough investigation by the Odisha government and immediate action against those responsible.

A Peek Into The List Of Allegations

Barpali NAC, comprising 11 wards, is currently at the centre of controversy, as not only councillors but local contractors and locals have also levelled allegations of corruption. Locals alleged that development works worth lakhs of rupees are being executed without tenders, and in complete violation of official procedures.

One major point of contention involves the construction of a concrete drain in Ward No. 5, undertaken during 2023-24 at a cost of Rs 10 lakh. However, the drain was allegedly filled up again by the JE due to poor planning, resulting in wastage of public funds. 

In another instance, locals claim that drainage work in several area was left incomplete while false bills were generated for slab work that was never carried out.

Similar billing irregularities allegations have also surfaced on roads between ‘Kainru Hotel’ and Rajbati area. A Rs 10 lakh bill was allegedly raised for the Barpali Selfie Point, while duplicate billing has been reported for Subal Sahu Park and other projects.

Despite repeated RTI requests, the Executive Officer has allegedly refused to provide work-related data. The councillors, in a formal resolution, have demanded the transfer of the JE and strict action against both officials.

Political Reaction Over Alleged Corruption In Barpali NAC

Speaking on the issue, senior Congress leader Kishore Dafadar said, “Barpali is now a hotspot of corruption which is unbearable. Roads to drains, cores of government funds have been embezzled. For a single work, multiple bills have been created for five times.”

Dafadar further urged the Mohan Majhi-led BJP government to intervene to bring the culprits to book in the interest of the people of Barpali.

While the NAC chairperson Dinesh Gahir has denied any corruption, saying no irregularities have taken place, he admitted that complaints have been forwarded to the district administration.

Attempts to contact the EO and the JE for comments were unsuccessful, as both refused to speak on camera. The issue has now reached the Collector’s office and is expected to draw wider administrative attention in the coming days.