Odisha Vigilance Arrests Sunabeda Wildlife Division Senior Assistant Over Alleged ₹2.60 Crore Government Fund Embezzlement
Sudam babu state bureau odisha
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Dateline: Odisha | October 25, 2026
Odisha Vigilance Takes Action in Major Financial Irregularity Case

In a significant development in Odisha’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption in government departments, the Odisha Vigilance Department has arrested Babulu Suna, a senior assistant associated with the establishment section of the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Sunabeda Wildlife Division, Nuapada. The accused is alleged to have misappropriated government funds amounting to more than ₹2.60 crore through the preparation and processing of fraudulent financial bills under the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) and Revised Assured Career Progression (RACP) schemes.
According to information released by Odisha Vigilance, the alleged financial irregularities continued from 2023 onward. Investigators have reportedly identified transactions involving government money that was allegedly diverted through fabricated arrear bills and manipulated official records.
The arrest marks an important development in the investigation, which concerns the alleged misuse of administrative responsibilities and financial procedures within the forest department.
The accused has been identified as Babulu Suna, who was serving as Senior Assistant-cum-In-Charge of the Establishment Section at the Sunabeda Wildlife Division office. Following his arrest, he is being forwarded to the court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna, for further legal proceedings.
Accused Arrested After Allegedly Remaining Absconding for Six Months
According to the vigilance authorities, Babulu Suna had reportedly been absconding for approximately six months before his arrest.
The Odisha Vigilance team traced and apprehended him in Balangir last night. His arrest followed an extensive verification process initiated after allegations surfaced regarding the unauthorized withdrawal and diversion of government funds.
The investigation reportedly focused on financial transactions, official documentation and the manner in which salary-related bills were prepared and processed.
Officials are examining whether the alleged irregularities were carried out through repeated manipulation of departmental procedures over an extended period.
The arrest is expected to help investigators further examine the financial records connected with the case and establish the sequence of transactions allegedly undertaken by the accused.
Alleged Fraud Through MACP and RACP Arrear Bills
The investigation conducted by Odisha Vigilance has reportedly revealed that the accused allegedly misused his responsibilities as the In-Charge of the Establishment Section to prepare and process fraudulent financial claims.
The MACP and RACP schemes are associated with career progression and financial benefits for eligible government employees. These provisions are intended to provide financial advancement to employees under specified service conditions.
According to the vigilance investigation, the accused allegedly created false arrear bills by misusing the provisions of these schemes.
Investigators suspect that the fraudulent claims were prepared in the names of employees who had previously worked in the Sunabeda Wildlife Division.
The identities and official credentials of former employees, retired personnel and deceased employees were allegedly used to generate financial claims that were not legitimately payable.
The investigation is examining how these bills were prepared, entered into departmental records and subsequently processed for payment.
Officials suspect that the alleged manipulation enabled government funds to be withdrawn without legitimate authorization.
Private Bank Accounts Allegedly Used to Divert Government Money
One of the major findings reported by Odisha Vigilance concerns the alleged transfer of government funds into private bank accounts.
According to the investigation, the accused allegedly used the identities of different employees to prepare fraudulent arrear bills and subsequently diverted the money into bank accounts belonging to members of his family and other individuals.
The accounts reportedly included those belonging to his spouse, brother, sister and two close associates.
Investigators are examining the financial trail to determine how the alleged transfers were carried out and whether the individuals whose accounts were reportedly used had any involvement in the transactions.
The authorities are also looking into the relationship between the fabricated bills, the payments released by the department and the subsequent movement of money into the identified accounts.
The investigation is expected to establish the complete chain of financial transactions and determine the role of every person connected with the alleged diversion.
Alleged Manipulation of Personal Salary Records
Apart from the alleged fraudulent arrear bills, investigators have also reportedly detected irregularities involving the accused’s own salary records.
According to Odisha Vigilance, Babulu Suna allegedly manipulated official documentation to obtain periodic salary increments beyond the benefits to which he was legally entitled.
The investigation reportedly found that he had generated excess monthly salary bills over a sustained period.
Through these alleged irregularities, the accused is suspected of wrongfully drawing an additional amount exceeding ₹10.58 lakh.
The alleged manipulation of salary records is being examined separately as part of the broader investigation into the misuse of government funds.
Authorities are expected to verify the relevant service records, salary statements and financial documents to determine the precise nature and extent of the alleged irregularities.
Total Alleged Misappropriation Exceeds ₹2.60 Crore
According to the findings communicated by Odisha Vigilance, the total amount allegedly misappropriated in the case has been calculated at ₹2,60,21,306.
The amount represents the alleged financial irregularities identified during the verification and investigation process.
The case reportedly involves multiple fraudulent transactions and the alleged misuse of employee identities and departmental documentation.
Investigators are examining the transactions to establish how the funds were withdrawn, who received the payments and whether additional irregularities occurred during the period under investigation.
The alleged amount of ₹2.60 crore makes the case a significant financial irregularity involving the administration of a government wildlife division.
However, the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. The accused will have the opportunity to respond to the charges through the legal process.
Vigilance Police Case Registered Under Anti-Corruption Law
Following the investigation into the alleged financial misconduct, Koraput Vigilance Police Station has registered two cases against Babulu Suna.
The cases have been identified as Koraput Vigilance Police Station Case Nos. 24 and 25 of 2026.
According to the vigilance authorities, the cases have been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The registration of the cases marks the formal commencement of legal proceedings concerning the alleged misuse of government funds.
The investigation is focusing on the preparation of fraudulent bills, the use of employee identities, the processing of payments and the alleged diversion of money into private accounts.
Officials are also examining the circumstances under which the accused allegedly obtained financial benefits through manipulated salary records.
Further action will depend on the evidence collected during the investigation and the findings presented before the competent court.
Investigation Continues to Examine Financial Transactions
Odisha Vigilance has stated that the investigation into the alleged embezzlement is continuing.
The authorities are reportedly reviewing financial records and departmental documents to establish the complete extent of the alleged fraud.
The investigation may also help determine whether the fraudulent bills were processed through routine administrative channels and whether any additional individuals were involved in facilitating the transactions.
The role of the accounts and establishment-related procedures is expected to remain an important area of examination.
Investigators are working to establish the circumstances under which the alleged fraudulent payments were approved and released.
The financial trail, including the transactions reportedly involving family members and associates, is also being examined to establish the movement of government funds.
A Serious Concern for Government Financial Accountability
The case has brought attention to the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in government financial administration.
Schemes such as MACP and RACP are designed to provide eligible employees with legitimate career progression benefits. Their proper implementation depends on accurate service records, genuine claims and effective verification procedures.
Allegations involving fabricated employee records and unauthorized financial claims highlight the importance of regular audits and stronger checks within government offices.
The alleged manipulation of records in the Sunabeda Wildlife Division also raises questions about the effectiveness of internal financial controls and the verification of salary-related payments.
Authorities are expected to examine whether existing procedures were followed and whether additional safeguards are necessary to prevent similar irregularities.
Legal Proceedings Await Further Investigation
Babulu Suna has been arrested by Odisha Vigilance and is being forwarded to the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna.
The case remains under investigation, and further details may emerge as officials continue examining the financial records and documentary evidence.
The vigilance authorities are working to establish the full extent of the alleged financial misconduct and identify the individuals connected with the transactions.
The final determination of criminal responsibility will depend on the evidence presented during the legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The arrest of Sunabeda Wildlife Division Senior Assistant Babulu Suna has brought a major alleged government fund embezzlement case into focus in Odisha.
With the alleged misappropriation amount reaching ₹2,60,21,306, the investigation concerns the suspected misuse of MACP and RACP arrear bills, manipulation of employee records and diversion of public money into private bank accounts.
The registration of two vigilance cases and the arrest of the accused represent important steps in the ongoing investigation.
Odisha Vigilance is continuing its inquiry to establish the complete financial trail, examine the involvement of other individuals and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged fraud.
The case will now proceed through the judicial process, where the allegations will be examined in accordance with the law.
