Odisha – In a significant development underscoring the state’s intensified crackdown on corruption in government services, Sri Saroj Kanta Ray, a former Principal of Government ITI, Phulbani, and Lecturer at Government Polytechnic, Dhenkanal, has been convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Special Vigilance Court in a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case investigated by Odisha Vigilance.
This conviction marks yet another stern message from the Odisha government and its anti corruption wing towards public servants misusing their positions for personal enrichment.
Odisha Vigilance DA Case
The Odisha Vigilance DA case against Saroj Kanta Ray dates back several years when the anti corruption agency unearthed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. During a detailed investigation and raids conducted by the Odisha Vigilance department, the sleuths recovered a slew of movable and immovable assets believed to be illicitly acquired.
These included high value land holdings, residential buildings, bank deposits, luxury household articles, and substantial cash reserves, all of which could not be satisfactorily explained by Ray in relation to his legal earnings from government service.
The Odisha Vigilance DA case gained traction after formal charges were framed against him, leading to a protracted legal process culminating in the conviction.
Court Verdict
On July 29, 2025, the Special Judge for Vigilance Cases convicted Saroj Kanta Ray under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court found him guilty of possessing assets far exceeding his known legal income and sentenced him to:
- Three years rigorous imprisonment
- A monetary fine (the amount, as per Vigilance sources, is significant and proportionate to the gravity of the offense)
In default of payment of the fine, additional imprisonment will be imposed, as per the court’s judgment.
The Odisha Vigilance DA case against Ray is now a landmark conviction for 2025, adding to the growing list of corrupt officials brought to justice under Chief Minister zero tolerance policy on corruption.
Dismissal from Service and Stoppage of Pension
As per existing government service rules, every conviction in a Vigilance DA case leads to immediate dismissal from service, even if the person is retired. Accordingly, Saroj Kanta Ray, though already posted as a Lecturer at Govt Polytechnic, Dhenkanal, will face:
- Dismissal from service with retrospective effect
- Stoppage of pension and retirement benefits
- Asset seizure proceedings as per the court orders and government norms
These consequences act as both punitive and deterrent measures against the misuse of public office.
A Message to Public Servants in Odisha
The conviction of Saroj Kanta Ray in the Odisha Vigilance DA case sends a clear message to public servants across the state. The government of Odisha, backed by a robust and active Vigilance mechanism, is leaving no stone unturned in holding corrupt officials accountable.
Sources within Odisha Vigilance have confirmed that more than 100 DA cases are currently under investigation, many of which involve senior government officials, engineers, and administrative officers.
The department has also enhanced its surveillance, intelligence, and digital tracking to trace unaccounted wealth and prevent laundering of ill gotten gains.
Public Reaction and Government Stance
The public reaction to the verdict has been largely positive, especially in districts like Phulbani and Dhenkanal, where Ray served. Local civil society members and students’ groups welcomed the decision, asserting that “justice has been served.”
A senior official from Odisha Vigilance said:
“This case is a reflection of our commitment to fighting corruption at all levels. The public trust in government institutions can only be restored through accountability, and convictions like this reinforce that trust.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Technical Education and Training, Odisha, under which Ray was serving, has initiated departmental action following the conviction. The Human Resources wing is expected to issue formal dismissal orders soon.
Source: Odisha Vigilance Department
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