Sambalpur: On charges of misappropriation of government funds amounting to over ₹1.15 crore, the Odisha Vigilance today arrested a junior assistant in Sambalpur district.

According to Vigilance sources, Mir Imtiyaz Ali, a Junior Assistant at CHC Fasimal under Jamankira Block and in-charge Junior Assistant at CHC Govindpur under Bamra Block, was arrested on charges of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of government funds totalling ₹1,15,14,539.

The investigation revealed during his tenure from the financial year 2021-22 to 2026-27, Ali allegedly generated fake online and offline bills under various financial heads, including arrear salaries, unutilised leave encashment and provisional pensions, in the names of retired employees of CHC Fasimal.

Instead of disbursing the legitimate dues to the respective retirees or depositing the funds with the government, Ali allegedly manipulated the payment process and diverted ₹70,57,450 into his own bank accounts for personal gain.

Vigilance sources said Ali allegedly adopted a similar modus operandi while serving as Junior Assistant at CHC Govindpur under Bamra Block during the same period. He allegedly misappropriated another ₹44,57,089 from the health centre.

The total amount allegedly misappropriated by Ali from the two health centres stands at ₹1,15,14,539.

Odisha Vigilance has registered two cases in connection with the alleged financial irregularities. The cases were registered as Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station Case Nos. 14 and 15 dated September 8, 2026, under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The accused will be forwarded to the Special Judge, Vigilance, Sambalpur, Vigilance sources said.

Further investigation into the case is underway.