₹2.60 Crore Fraud in Sunabeda Wildlife Division: Odisha Vigilance Arrests Senior Assistant
Bhubaneswar: In a major anti-corruption crackdown, Odisha Vigilance has arrested Babulu Suna, Senior Assistant-cum-In-Charge of the Establishment Section at the Sunabeda Wildlife Division DFO office in Nuapada district, for allegedly misappropriating more than ₹2.60 crore of government funds through fraudulent claims under career progression schemes.
According to Vigilance officials, the accused allegedly siphoned off ₹2,60,21,306 since 2023 by preparing fake arrear bills under the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) and Revised Assured Career Progression (RACP) schemes.
The fraudulent claims were reportedly generated in the names of former, retired and deceased employees.
Investigators alleged that the diverted funds were transferred into bank accounts belonging to the accused’s family members and close associates.
Vigilance officials further stated that official records were manipulated to secure inflated salary benefits, resulting in excess withdrawals of more than ₹10.58 lakh.
The accused had reportedly been absconding for several months before being traced and apprehended by Odisha Vigilance in Balangir.
Following the arrest, he was produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Bhawanipatna.
Odisha Vigilance has registered two cases in connection with the alleged scam under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Officials said further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the fraud and identify any additional beneficiaries or accomplices involved in the embezzlement.
