The Odisha Vigilance Department on Sunday arrested six treasury staff members for their suspected roles in a financial scam totalling Rs 8 crore, according to official reports.
A Vigilance officer said, a former senior assistant from the Chandbali sub-treasury office and five accomplices have been arrested for the alleged embezzlement of government funds amounting to Rs 8 crore. The misappropriation reportedly took place over a five-year period, spanning from 2018 to 2023.
The official revealed that the suspects managed to defraud the state by manipulating the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS). This digital breach allowed the group to bypass standard security protocols to divert public money.
The stolen funds were distributed across 44 separate bank accounts registered to 37 person, all of whom have been identified as associates of the primary accused senior assistant.
Vigilance officials noted that the probe is ongoing. Investigators are currently working to track down other associates and any other government officials who may have aided in the execution of the fraud.
Today, Sri Santosh Kr Panda, Ex. Sr. Assistant, Sub-Treasury Office, Chandbali, #Bhadrak, along with 5 associates, was arrested by #Odisha #Vigilance & sent to jail for misappropriating Rs. 8 crore govt funds during 2018-23 by manipulating IFMS & diverting gratuity funds.
— Odisha Vigilance (@OdishaVigilance) May 10, 2026
In a post from its X handle, the Odisha Vigilance informed, “Today, Sri Santosh Kr Panda, Ex. Sr. Assistant, Sub-Treasury Office, Chandbali, #Bhadrak, along with 5 associates, was arrested by #Odisha #Vigilance & sent to jail for misappropriating Rs. 8 crore govt funds during 2018-23 by manipulating IFMS & diverting gratuity funds.”
“The misappropriated money was routed through 44 bank accounts belonging to 37 private individuals. In this connection, Vigilance Cell PS Case No.03/2026 U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(a) P C (Amendment) Act, 2018/406/409/467/468/471/477/120-B IPC regd. Investigation continuing,” it added.
