Over Rs 50 lakh scam alleged in Satkosia wildlife division over double billing

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Angul: A financial irregularity involving more than Rs 50 lakh has allegedly come to light in the Satkosia Wildlife Division in Angul district, with funds meant for retirement-related payments suspected to have been misappropriated through a double-billing process.

According to the allegations, bills were raised in the names of retired employees to draw funds towards retirement arrears and unutilised leave.

The suspected fraud was detected during an audit conducted by the Angul District Treasury Office.

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Although the names of the employees reportedly matched, the bank account numbers mentioned in the bills were found to be different, raising suspicion of duplicate payments and diversion of government funds.

Following the findings, the District Treasury Officer has reportedly directed the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) to submit a detailed investigation report within three working days.

The Forest Department has initiated an internal probe to establish the extent of the alleged misappropriation and identify those responsible.

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