Odisha Junior Assistant Arrested for Massive Rs 2.38 Crore Salary Fraud
In a shocking case of audacious corruption, a junior government employee in Odisha's Angul district has been arrested by the state vigilance department for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated salary scam that netted him crores of rupees over several years. The accused, identified as Subrat Kumar Behera (39), a junior assistant at the office of the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) in Angul, was taken into custody on Thursday following an extensive investigation.
Details of the Elaborate Salary Scam
According to vigilance officials, Behera was legally entitled to a monthly salary of approximately Rs 51,000. However, through systematic forgery and manipulation of official documents, he managed to fraudulently draw between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 14 lakh every single month. This staggering amount far exceeded the salaries of even the country's highest office-holders, making the case particularly egregious.
Vigilance Director Yeshwant Jethwa revealed that the scam operated unchecked from 2017 until 2025, when an internal audit finally detected the irregularities. During this eight-year period, Behera allegedly misappropriated a total of Rs 2.38 crore through his fraudulent activities.
How the Fraud Was Executed
Investigators explained that Behera exploited his official position, which involved preparing monthly pay bills for doctors and health staff in Angul district. Using this responsibility as cover, he allegedly inserted forged and inflated figures for his own salary into the official payment system.
Specific fraudulent activities included:
- Drawing a basic pay ranging from Rs 3,36,100 to Rs 7,36,100 during the period 2022–2025
- Claiming dearness allowance between Rs 9,05,827 and Rs 14,06,300 from March to June 2021
- Getting his inflated pay bills cleared through the treasury system
Investigation and Arrest
The case came to light in October 2025 when an internal audit flagged the massive misappropriation. Following this discovery, a police case was registered against Behera in Angul. The accused remained absconding for several months before the Odisha vigilance department took over the investigation recently.
On Wednesday, the anti-corruption wing conducted searches at Behera's properties. A written statement from the vigilance department confirmed his arrest for possessing disproportionate assets estimated to be 205% higher than his legitimate earnings.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
Behera began his government service in September 2007 with a modest starting salary of about Rs 8,000. His dramatic rise to drawing lakhs monthly through fraudulent means represents one of the most brazen salary scams uncovered in recent Odisha government history.
Investigators are now probing whether others colluded in facilitating this extensive scam that operated for nearly a decade without detection. The case raises serious questions about financial oversight mechanisms within government departments and treasury systems.
The vigilance department continues its investigation to uncover the full extent of the fraud and identify any additional individuals who may have been involved in enabling or benefiting from this elaborate salary manipulation scheme.
