Nuapada: Odisha Vigilance has arrested a senior assistant of the Sunabeda Wildlife Division in Nuapada district for allegedly misappropriating government funds worth Rs 2.60 crore by generating fake bills under the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) and Revised Assured Career Progression (RACP) schemes.

The accused, Babulu Suna, senior assistant-cum-in-charge of the Establishment Section at the office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Sunabeda Wildlife Division, was arrested in Balangir after remaining absconding for the past six months. He is being forwarded to the court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhawanipatna.

According to Odisha Vigilance, a detailed verification and investigation into the alleged financial irregularities revealed that Suna had allegedly misappropriated a total of Rs 2,60,21,306 since 2023 by exploiting his position in the Establishment Section.

Investigators found that he allegedly prepared fake arrear bills under the MACP and RACP schemes using the identities and credentials of former, retired and deceased employees of the Sunabeda Wildlife Division. The funds were allegedly diverted to the private bank accounts of his family members, including his spouse, brother and sister, as well as two close associates.

The investigation also revealed that Suna allegedly manipulated official records to secure periodic salary increments beyond his legitimate entitlement. He generated excess monthly salary bills over an extended period, resulting in an additional wrongful payment of more than Rs 10.58 lakh.

In connection with the alleged fraud, Koraput Vigilance Police have registered two cases, numbered 24/2026 and 25/2026, under the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Further investigation is underway.