Odisha Vigilance arrests Revenue Assistant in Rs 3.03 crore embezzlement case

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance has arrested Sasikanta Rana, a Senior Revenue Assistant (SRA) of Derabish Block in Kendrapara district, for allegedly embezzling government funds worth more than Rs 3.03 crore by generating fraudulent bills through the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) portal.Rana, who had been absconding for a long time after the financial irregularities came to light, was arrested by a team of Odisha Vigilance in Anugul using digital tracking technology. He is being forwarded to the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack.According to Odisha Vigilance, its investigation revealed that Rana allegedly siphoned off government money during his postings at two blocks in Kendrapara district while serving in charge of the establishment section. The section is responsible for processing salaries, arrears, gratuity and pension-related payments.During his tenure at Rajkanika Block from August 30, 2023, to September 4, 2024, he allegedly misappropriated Rs 1,46,68,118. Subsequently, during his posting at Derabish Block from January 7, 2025, to October 13, 2025, he allegedly embezzled another Rs 1,56,97,725.The total amount of alleged misappropriation stands at Rs 3,03,65,843, the Vigilance said.Investigators found that Rana allegedly manipulated disbursement records in the HRMS portal by generating fraudulent claims for salaries, arrears, gratuity, unutilised leave and pension in the names of retired and deceased government employees.Instead of transferring the money to the rightful beneficiaries, he allegedly replaced their bank account details with private bank accounts operated by himself and his family members, including his wife, father and brother, as well as a relative.The accounts were maintained with the State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of India and Indian Bank in Kendrapara district. The money was allegedly transferred through NEFT transactions.In connection with the case, Odisha Vigilance has registered Cuttack Vigilance Police Station Cases No. 42 and 43 of 2026 against Rana under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).