Bhubaneswar, Oct. 18 -- A senior clerk in the Dhenkanal Divisional Forest Officer's (DFO) office allegedly siphoned off Rs 65.90 lakh in government funds by diverting money meant for salaries, pensions, retirement arrears and other official expenses into bank accounts of himself, family members and associates, Odisha Vigilance said on Sunday.
The agency has arrested the accused clerk, Sujit Kumar Jena, along with Soumya Ranjan Behera, a staff member of the Elephant Squad under Sadar Range, and Rashmi Ranjan Swain in connection with the alleged embezzlement spanning 2016 to 2026.
Jena, according to Vigilance, allegedly exploited his official position to divert funds meant for salaries of dismissed and absconding employees, retirement arrea...