Jharsuguda, Odisha : The Belpahar Municipality has come under the scanner after allegations of massive financial irregularities. A high-level Belpahar audit probe has officially begun, following reports of fund misappropriation in municipal accounts.
On Tuesday Morning, Belpahar Police detained Municipality Accountant Bibhuti Sahu in connection with the alleged scam. Simultaneously, a two-member independent audit team reached the municipal office and started a detailed review of the accounts. The auditors — Audit Officer Manoranjan Behera and Auditor Aravind Samanta — have launched a probe into the income and expenditure records of the 2024-25 financial year.
The audit team has been directed to scrutinize all documents, verify financial transactions, and inspect closed rooms containing official records. Employees of the municipality are being questioned, and relevant files are being thoroughly checked. According to official sources, the audit will continue for 15 working days, covering every aspect of income, expenditure, and development projects.
The special audit order was issued under letter no. 19252 by Additional Secretary Shikha Bishwal, addressed to the Executive Officer of Belpahar Municipality. The directive clearly instructed all staff members to remain present with necessary records during the audit process.
Meanwhile, controversy deepened after the Belpahar Municipality Chairperson had earlier filed a formal complaint at Belpahar Police Station on August 7, alleging large-scale corruption in several developmental works. With both police and auditors now in action, the spotlight is firmly on the municipal administration, as residents await answers on the alleged financial mismanagement.
