EOW Arrests Ex-Municipality Officer in ₹4 Crore Corruption Case

The fight against corruption in Odisha took a new turn when the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) arrested Madhusmita Singh, a former Executive Officer of Belpahar Municipality, for her role in a ₹4 crore scam. This case highlights the urgent need for transparency in civic governance.

The Arrest and Background

Investigators revealed that Singh misused municipal funds during her tenure in Belpahar, Jharsuguda district. The Revenue Department suspended her from her Jamda Tehsildar post on August 30, after finding major irregularities. Soon after, the EOW launched a probe and confirmed her involvement.

Earlier, police had arrested accountant Bibhuti Sahu in the same case. His interrogation exposed Singh’s direct role in diverting funds. The sequence of arrests shows how corruption often spreads through a network of officials rather than a single individual.

How the Scam Worked

EOW officers explained that Singh and her associates manipulated records, diverted development funds, and withdrew money illegally. The funds, meant for sanitation, infrastructure, and local welfare projects, never reached the people. Instead, the money ended up in personal accounts.

This fraud not only blocked civic development but also destroyed public trust. In a small town like Belpahar, losing ₹4 crore can delay essential services for years.

Larger Implications

The arrest shows how corruption continues to weaken local bodies. Experts argue that weak auditing and political pressure allow scams to grow unchecked. Stronger monitoring systems and digital record-keeping can help reduce such fraud.

The case also proves the growing importance of specialized agencies like the Economic Offences Wing, which track financial crimes that regular police units often miss.

What’s Next?

Singh now faces charges of criminal breach of trust, cheating, and misappropriation of government funds. The EOW team is also identifying other officials and contractors who may have benefitted from the scam. If convicted, Singh could lose her government position permanently and face strict jail time.

Conclusion

The Belpahar case is more than a story of one corrupt officer—it reflects deep cracks in governance. The EOW’s timely action sets a strong example, but citizens and authorities must work together to stop such scams in the future.