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Odisha Vigilance has arrested an absconding revenue official accused of diverting over ₹3.03 crore in government funds.
Who Was Arrested in the Fraud Case?
Odisha Vigilance arrested Sasikanta Rana, a Senior Revenue Assistant (SRA) posted at Derabish block in Kendrapada district, for allegedly misappropriating government funds through fraudulent salary and pension claims. Rana was traced to Angul district and arrested late Wednesday night after remaining absconding for an extended period.
According to the Vigilance Directorate, investigators located Rana through digital tracking following allegations of financial irregularities exceeding ₹3.03 crore. The accused is to be produced before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack.
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How Were Government Funds Diverted?
Investigators alleged that Rana systematically diverted government money during consecutive postings at Rajkanika and Derabish blocks. He was responsible for establishment-related work, including processing employee salaries, arrears, gratuity, leave encashment and pension payments.
Vigilance officials found that Rana allegedly manipulated records on the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) portal by generating fraudulent claims in the names of retired and deceased employees. Instead of transferring payments to legitimate beneficiaries, he allegedly substituted their banking details with accounts belonging to himself, family members and a relative.
How Much Money Was Allegedly Misappropriated?
According to the investigation, Rana allegedly diverted ₹1,46,68,118 during his posting at Rajkanika block and ₹1,56,97,725 while serving at Derabish block. The combined amount reached ₹3,03,65,843.
Investigators said the diverted payments were transferred through the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system. The accounts allegedly used included those belonging to Rana, his wife, father, brother and another relative. The suspected manipulation involved replacing beneficiaries’ account information in official payment records.
What Legal Action Has Been Taken?
Odisha Vigilance registered two cases, numbered 42/26 and 43/26, at the Cuttack Vigilance Police Station in connection with the alleged financial misconduct. The cases invoke provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and other criminal law provisions.
The agency said its investigation established a pattern of alleged financial irregularities across two government postings. The case concerns the misuse of official access to salary and pension processing systems to redirect public funds into private bank accounts.
Rana’s arrest follows the Vigilance Directorate’s examination of financial records and transactions associated with the suspected diversion. The proceedings will now move before the designated Vigilance court, where the allegations will be examined under the applicable legal provisions.
