OTV Impact: Vigilance probes corruption in Kendrapara College road construction

Vigilance officials have commenced an inquiry into accusations of corruption related to the construction of a concrete internal road at Kendrapara Autonomous College, Odisha. This investigation follows a report aired by Odisha Television Limited (OTV), which brought the matter to light.

Initial Findings and Actions

Led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police Bhagyalaxmi Puhan, the Vigilance team visited the college campus, collecting samples from dismantled sections of the newly laid concrete roads. The construction, completed in June 2023, reportedly exceeded a budget of Rs 50 lakh, totalling Rs 50,61,000.

Questionable Contract Procedures

Constructed in June 2023, the road cost over Rs 50 lakh and was directly overseen by the college authorities, who also acted as the contractors. This has led to inquiries about why the local Public Works Department (PWD) was not engaged to manage the project.

Catalyst for Investigation

OTV’s coverage highlighted the irregularities surrounding the project, which prompted the vigilance team to verify the authenticity of the allegations through rigorous examination. 

“A cement concrete road was constructed just 1.5 years back with a whopping Rs 60L budget. Gopal Behera was the Principal of the College back then. Very low-quality construction work has been done with his knowledge, but he did not take any action. We had requested him to ensure proper construction, as many poor students attend the college here,” alleged a former student, Chittaranjan Das.

“However, he was also involved in the corruption. They have only used Rs 20-25 lakh for the construction and siphoned off the remaining amount,” he added.

When contacted, a senior Vigilance officer said, “We have taken the core cutting that will be taken to the laboratory for testing. Necessary action will be taken after the testing report arrives.”