TV
Odisha Vigilance is undergoing a strategic transformation in its fight against corruption. In recent days, the anti-corruption agency has been conducting back-to-back raids with increased frequency, catching many high-ranking officials just before or on the day of their retirement. This calculated shift in operational tactics marks a new chapter in the state’s war on graft.
The intensified action comes amid reports that the Vigilance Directorate has adopted a revamped action plan and operational framework, aimed at maximizing the impact of its interventions. In a clear message to the corrupt, the Vigilance team is ensuring that no official escapes scrutiny, even at the twilight of their career.
Odisha Vigilance Director Yeshwant Jethwa on Saturday confirmed that the department has revised its strategy, both in terms of intelligence gathering and execution of raids. According to sources, the department is now focusing on targeted intelligence, pre-raid surveillance, and asset verification in real-time, all of which have significantly improved the efficiency and timing of operations.
This change in strategy has been reflected in a series of high-profile raids, including the recent arrest of RW Chief Engineer Bainkuntha Nath Sarangi, who was taken into custody just a day before retirement on charges of possessing disproportionate assets worth several crores. The timing of such actions sends a strong signal that retirement is no shield against accountability.
While responding to a question regarding why an arrest or raid on officials prior to their retirement, the senior Vigilance official said that under prevention of corruption act there is no pre- or post-retirement. The main ingredient is indulging in corruption, the acquisition of assets during government service.
Zero Tolerance Towards Corruption
Vigilance Director Jethwa emphasized that corruption at any level will not be tolerated, and the agency is committed to bringing transparency and trust back into public administration. He hinted that more such operations are in the pipeline, especially in departments dealing with large-scale public infrastructure and welfare funds.
This aggressive posture has created ripples across various government departments, as officials, especially those approaching retirement, now find themselves under increasing scrutiny. The public, meanwhile, has responded positively to this proactive approach, with growing expectations that Vigilance will continue to hold corrupt officials accountable irrespective of their rank or tenure.
With its renewed focus, Odisha Vigilance seems poised to redefine anti-corruption enforcement in the state, ensuring that integrity becomes a non-negotiable standard in public service.
“Primarily, Vigilance is focusing on increasing competency, technology infusion for tracking of disproportionate assets, detection capacity, and tapping digital footprints. We have got the full support of the Odisha government in this regard. We have got approval for setting up an advanced forensic science unit of the Vigilance,” said Jethwa.
The Odisha government has asked Vigilance to explore innovation, technology in the country and strengthen our department. The government has approved the appointment of experts like chartered accountants, legal, and cyber experts.
“Through such experts, Vigilance will get the capacity to trace those who want to hide assets in physical, benami, or digital medium. We have been successful in taking actions which was witnessed in the recent past,” said the Vigilance Director.
Why More Engineers Are Being Caught?
According to the Vigilance official, the department is focusing on leakage-prone positions, projects, and other aspects. Similarly, where government funds or transactions are more, the Vigilance keeps a strict vigil. The conviction rate of the Odisha Vigilance Department has always been around 50 percent and 80 percent in disproportionate assets cases. In terms of the capacity of Odisha Vigilance in disproportionate assets cases and SOP, ours is one of the best in the country, he said.
Government Pressure On Vigilance?
The senior official said that the Vigilance department has full freedom to discharge its duties in a professional manner. We registered 213 cases, including 60 disproportionate assets cases, last year. In these cases, senior rank officials have been targeted, and action taken by the Vigilance, he added.
