OTV Impact: Odisha Vigilance arrests Junior Engineer in Rs 22 Lakh MGNREGA scam

In a major development following OTV’s exclusive report on 28th August, the Odisha Vigilance Department has arrested Junior Engineer (JE) Jayanarayan Bag from Bangomunda Block in Bolangir district. The arrest comes after allegations of embezzlement of over Rs 22 lakh from the MGNREGA scheme surfaced through the media exposé.

Fake Labourers Used to Siphon Funds

According to Vigilance officials, the accused JE fraudulently transferred government funds meant for MGNREGA projects in Belpada Gram Panchayat. The money, meant to pay genuine labourers, was reportedly deposited into accounts created under fake labourers’ names, causing significant financial loss to the government.

Also Read: OTV impact: Airing of CCTV footage helps Odisha police nab accused for ‘assault’ on cops in Bolangir

Vigilance Raids and Seizures

Following the OTV report, the Vigilance team immediately launched an investigation, raiding the Bangomunda Block office. During the raid, officials seized several files and financial documents linked to the MGNREGA transactions. After thorough verification, Jayanarayan Bag was taken into custody and later produced before court.

Wider Probe Underway

Sources said that the Vigilance Department has widened its investigation to identify other officials potentially involved in the scam. More arrests are likely as the probe deepens.

The swift Vigilance response highlights the growing impact of media accountability in ensuring transparency in public welfare schemes like MGNREGA.