Dismissed IAS officer in Odisha convicted 11th time in ORHDC corruption case

Vinod Kumar, the tainted IAS officer and former Managing Director (MD) of Odisha Rural Housing Development Corporation (ORHDC), was convicted on Tuesday for the eleventh time in connection with a corruption case.

Odisha Vigilance court in Bhubaneswar found Vinod Kumar guilty of misappropriating funds, sentencing him and others to three years in prison and imposing a fine of Rs 50,000 each.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Sacks Convicted IAS Officer Vinod Kumar

Vinod Kumar’s repeated convictions highlight longstanding corruption issues within the ORHDC. These acts of misconduct have continually resulted in financial irregularities that led to profound public and governmental criticism.

The Bhubaneswar Vigilance Court’s decision forms part of a series of judgements aimed at holding former senior officials accountable for their roles in this housing scam.

Taking to the official ‘X’ handle, Odisha Vigilance stated, “Vinod Kumar, IAS, Ex-MD, ORHDC, who was charge-sheeted by Odisha Vigilance for illegal sanction of loans to M/s City Builders causing loss to ORHDC, was sentenced along with 6 others to 3 years jail and fine Rs 50,000. He was convicted in 10 corruption cases earlier.”

Worth mentioning, earlier in another case relating to the ORHDC corruption, M/s Home Life Builder had availed a loan to construct 38 duplexes in 2000. Then it was alleged that the loan amount was disbursed on fake documents. The company was not the owner of the land, which was then pledged to avail the loan.

Must Read: ORHDC scam: Tainted IAS officer Vinod Kumar gets 3-year jail term

Previously, erstwhile company secretary (CS) of ORHDC Swasti Ranjan Mahapatra, former loan approval officer Umesh Swain and two managing partners of the builder company were arrested for their alleged involvement.

Vindo Kumar, Swasti Ranjan Mahapatra and Umesh Swain were accused of being involved in a conspiracy and showing undue favour to the construction company.