By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:On the basis of reliable inputs and subsequent investigation, Odisha Vigilance today arrested Ashis Naik, Ex-Forester, Athagarh Forest Division, Kataka currently working at the Office of the DFO, Kataka, in connection with financial fraud involving afforestation funds.
*The accused Sri Naik allegedly misappropriated government funds amounting to Rs.7,41,297/- by preparing and submitting fake/inflated bills*.
The fraudulent bills were generated under the CAMPA Scheme for the 2025–26 Assisted Natural Regeneration (A.N.R.) Plantation project inside Oringa Reserve Forest (covering Kuleilo Beat and Sadar Beat, Athagarh Sadar Section). *The extensive investigation revealed that Sri Naik completely failed to plant 11,376 saplings while falsely claiming execution and drawing funds, thereby causing loss of Rs. 7,41,297/- to the state exchequer*.
In this connection, Cuttack Vigilance PS Case No. 36 dated 10.09.2026 has been registered against the accused Sri Naik, U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 r/w sections 318(4)/316(5)/ 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Following arrest of accused Sri Naik, he is being forwarded to the Special Court (Vigilance) Cuttack today. Detailed report follows.
