Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Thursday arrested Ashis Naik, a former forester of Athagada Forest Division in Kataka district in connection with misappropriation of government funds to the then of Rs seven lakh.
Naik, who is currently working at the office of Kataka DFO, was arrested on the basis of reliable inputs and subsequent investigation in connection with financial fraud involving afforestation funds.
The accused allegedly misappropriated government funds amounting to Rs 7,41,297/- by preparing and submitting fake/inflated bills.
The fraudulent bills were generated under the CAMPA Scheme for the 2025–26 Assisted Natural Regeneration (A.N.R.) Plantation project inside Oringa Reserve Forest (covering Kuleilo Beat and Sadar Beat, Athagarh Sadar Section).
The extensive investigation revealed that Naik completely failed to plant 11,376 saplings while falsely claiming execution and drawing funds, thereby causing loss of Rs. 7,41,297/- to the state exchequer.
In this connection, a case has been registered against the Naik under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 read with some sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Following his arrest, Naik is being forwarded to the Special Court (Vigilance) in Kataka. Further details are awaited.