Bhubaneswar: An enquiry committee consisting 3 ACFs has been constituted on Tuesday to look into the alleged financial irregularities under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) fund in Balugaon Range of Khordha Forest Division, informed Odisha Regional Chief Conservator of Forests.
The incumbent DFO of Khordha, who looks after the Balugaon range has been directed to assist the enquiry panel with requisite logistic support during enquiry. As per the direction, the enquiry committee has been asked to submit its report within 7 August.
OTV in an exclusive sting had unearthed alleged mismanagement and corruption with embezzlement of around Rs 592 crore of CAMPA funds with documentary evidences.
CAMPA fund, which aims at renewing razed and destroyed forests, were allegedly deposited to non-beneficiary accounts and later withdrawn under the aegis of A K Jagdev the then Balugaon Barbara Range Officer under Khordha forest division.
As per sources, Jagdev adopted a unique method to misuse the government funds. Rather sending the fund to beneficiaries’ accounts in Balugon range, he transferred it to beneficiaries of Nayagarh, Ranpur and Tangi area and later withdrew it.
According to documents available with OTV, deposits of Rs 1,19,000, Rs 2,64,000 and Rs 1,19,000 were reportedly made to the accounts of one Surendra Jena of Banapur, Prabhat Pradhan and Muna Martha respectively and later withdrawn.
Following the OTV investigative report, Jagdev was transferred to Regional Chief Conservator of Forest, Bhubaneswar circle.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
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