May 13th 2025.
In a recent development, five forest officers from Odisha have been taken into custody by the Vigilance department for misusing government funds. The officers, who were responsible for managing compensatory afforestation in Kalahandi district, are believed to have embezzled a staggering amount of Rs 80 lakh.
According to a statement released by the Odisha Vigilance, the inquiry was initiated after receiving reliable information about the misappropriation of funds in the Jaypatana range of Kalahandi. A team of 25 officers was formed to investigate the matter and it was found that there was a significant shortfall in the number of trees planted and a considerable amount of money had been misused.
During the investigation, it was discovered that funds allocated for plantation during the 2023-24 fiscal year were diverted to fake labor accounts and then withdrawn and misappropriated. The Vigilance officials were able to establish substantial evidence against the forest officers, including the deputy ranger in-charge, two foresters, and two forest guards from the Jaypatana range.
As a result, a case has been registered at the Koraput Vigilance police station under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the BNS. All five officers have been arrested by the Anti-corruption Wing of the Odisha government and the investigation is still ongoing.
This incident has raised concerns about the misuse of government funds and the need for stricter measures to prevent such corruption. The authorities are determined to bring the guilty parties to justice and ensure that such malpractices are not repeated in the future.
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