Corruption and Exploitation: Former LSDA Officer Accused of Misusing Government Funds and Oppressing Lanjia Soura Tribals
Odisha, India – A shocking case of financial misappropriation and exploitation has emerged from the Lanjia Saora Development Agency (LSDA) under the Gunupur Panchayat Samiti, as serious allegations have been leveled against its former independent officer, Mrs. Ashima Rao. Accused of misusing lakhs of government funds, intimidating tribal residents, and engaging in illicit financial dealings, her actions have caused deep distress among the indigenous Lanjia Soura community of Putasing.
According to an official complaint submitted to the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, Mrs. Rao engaged in gross financial irregularities by illegally utilizing government funds meant for the preservation of the traditional idital paintings of the Lanjia Soura people. The complaint states that these paintings were forcibly imposed on tribal homes without consent, raising resentment and suspicion within the community.
Further accusations claim that she funneled public money into her husband’s farm, exploiting impoverished villagers by giving them meager sums while keeping substantial amounts for herself. The indigenous people, already struggling with economic hardships, reportedly faced verbal abuse, humiliation, and threats when they approached the LSDA office for assistance.
The misuse of OPELIP scheme funds—which were meant for tribal welfare—further exposes the corruption within the LSDA under her tenure. Instead of investing in developmental work, these funds were allegedly used for personal expenses. Additionally, reports suggest that Mrs. Rao collaborated with LSDA accountant Mr. Gupta and other officials to forge signatures and embezzle lakhs of rupees through fraudulent water supply and road construction projects.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of these allegations is the claim that she maintained an illicit relationship with accountant Mr. Gupta, using government funds to buy him a car and granting him undue favors. This blatant misuse of public money has left the local tribal community enraged, demanding a high-level inquiry and immediate legal action.
Moreover, under the PM Awas and PM Janman schemes, meant to provide housing and support to marginalized communities, genuine beneficiaries were denied their rightful aid, while funds were allegedly siphoned off by corrupt officials.
The Lanjia Soura villagers, known for their peaceful nature, have now come forward in unified protest, demanding justice and the return of misappropriated funds to ensure their proper use for tribal development. They have urged the Odisha government to take strict action against Mrs. Rao and her accomplices, calling this a direct attack on the dignity and rights of the indigenous people.
As the demand for justice grows, all eyes are now on the Odisha government to see whether it will take swift action to hold the perpetrators accountable and restore faith in the system meant to uplift and protect its most vulnerable communities.
