February 28th 2025.
In a recent development, the Enforcement Directorate has discovered a potential financial misconduct within the Odisha forest department. According to their report, an alleged sum of Rs 2.5 crore has been misappropriated from the department's funds. This revelation came to light after the authorities conducted a thorough search at the Jaipatna Range office in the Kalahandi district.
The investigation was initiated after the financial intelligence unit shared an operational analysis report on a case involving "money mule accounts". Upon preliminary examination, it was found that certain officials from the forest department were involved in the misuse of funds meant for various government schemes. It is believed that these officials used a number of "mule accounts" to divert and misappropriate large sums of money.
Upon further inquiry, it was discovered that 121 mule accounts were opened in the names of different individuals, with the help of forest guards and rangers. These accounts received funds through NEFT from the range office and were immediately withdrawn through ATMs. For those unfamiliar with the term, a mule account is a bank account used by scammers to transfer illicit funds. Interestingly, many of these accounts were opened using the same mobile numbers.
The Enforcement Directorate suspects that the total amount of money diverted from the forest department's funds could be more than Rs 2.5 crore. During their search, the agency seized a number of ATM cards, mobile phones, withdrawal slips, digital devices, and even an illegal tiger skin. These items are believed to be crucial pieces of evidence in the ongoing investigation.
It is a matter of great concern that individuals in positions of authority would resort to such fraudulent activities for personal gain. The Enforcement Directorate has promised to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the guilty parties to justice. This incident serves as a reminder to all government departments to exercise caution and maintain transparency in their financial transactions.
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