Dhenkanal, Odisha: In a major crackdown on corruption, Odisha Vigilance has arrested three persons in connection with an alleged decade-long financial embezzlement of ₹65.90 lakh at the Divisional Forest Officer, or DFO, office in Dhenkanal.

The prime accused has been identified as Sujit Kumar Jena, a senior clerk at the Dhenkanal DFO office. His alleged associates, Soumya Ranjan Behera, a staff member of the Elephant Squad under Sadar Range, and Rashmi Ranjan Swain, have also been arrested.

According to Odisha Vigilance, a detailed verification of financial transactions spanning the period from 2016 to 2026 uncovered an alleged systematic diversion of government funds into private bank accounts.

Investigators allege that the principal accused misused his official access to divert public money intended for employee salaries, retirement arrears, provisional pensions, establishment pay bills, contingency expenses, and fraudulent travel allowance claims.

The investigation also revealed that ₹8 lakh 72 thousand 520 was transferred to the bank account of the prime accused's mother. Another ₹10 lakh 48 thousand 866 was allegedly transferred to Soumya Ranjan Behera, while ₹8 lakh 86 thousand 193 went to Rashmi Ranjan Swain.

Odisha Vigilance stated that the accused persons had allegedly evaded arrest after the fraud came to light. They were subsequently traced through technical intelligence and mobile location monitoring.

In connection with the case, Kataka Vigilance Police Station Case No. 40 of 2026 has been registered under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, or BNS.

The three accused are being forwarded to the court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Dhenkanal.

Meanwhile, further investigation is underway to determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged misappropriation of government funds.

This is a developing corruption case, and further details are awaited.