Odisha vigilance officials arrested a staff member from the district education office (DEO) in Cuttack on Thursday for allegedly embezzling over Rs 51.53 lakh. The accused, Subash Chandra Sahoo, is said to have fraudulently generated salaries in the names of fake employees by manipulating government financial portals.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
Sahoo worked in the accounts section of the DEO office in Cuttack and was responsible for maintaining the human resource management system (HRMS) and integrated financial management system (IFMS), according to vigilance officials. He allegedly gained unauthorized access to the login credentials of the drawing and disbursing officer (DDO) and inserted the names of four outsiders into the HRMS portal, presenting them as government employees eligible for salary payments.
The fraudulent activity took place between December 31, 2018, and October 16, 2021. Vigilance officials revealed that salaries were regularly generated in the names of these four outsiders and credited to their bank accounts. The money was then reportedly transferred to Sahoo's personal account on the same day.
Investigation and Legal Action
A senior vigilance officer stated, "The accused misused his official access to manipulate the HRMS and IFMS systems and siphon off government funds in a planned manner. Financial transactions and digital records collected during the investigation established his involvement in the embezzlement." Following the probe, Odisha Vigilance registered Cuttack vigilance PS case no. 18/2026 against Sahoo under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018.
Officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine whether any other individuals were involved in the fraud or benefited from the illegal transactions.
About the Author
Manabesh Mohanty is a journalist based in Cuttack, contributing to the Times of India. He covers local news, including crime, social issues, and community developments in Odisha. His reporting highlights critical regional events, showcasing his commitment to informing the public with accurate and timely stories.
