Odisha Forest Officials Arrested in Major Embezzlement Scandal
Five forest officers in Odisha were arrested for embezzling Rs 80 lakh intended for compensatory afforestation. The funds were diverted to fictitious accounts following a detailed enquiry by the Vigilance. A case has been registered, and further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the corruption.
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In a significant anti-corruption operation, Odisha Vigilance officials have apprehended five forest officers for allegedly embezzling Rs 80 lakh in government funds. The money was allocated for compensatory afforestation in the Jaypatana range of Kalahandi district.
The arrests were made following a detailed investigation by Odisha Vigilance, which uncovered large-scale diversion of plantation funds to fictitious labour accounts, establishing prima facie evidence against the officials, including a deputy ranger and two foresters.
A case has been lodged at the Koraput Vigilance police station under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation continues, aiming to unravel the full extent of the misappropriation and hold those responsible to account.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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