Bhubaneswar, Jul 1: Odisha Vigilance on Saturday arrested Himanshu Das, former Managing Director of Betnoti Large-sized Adivasi Multipurpose Cooperative Society (LAMPCS) Ltd in Mayurbhanj district, for allegedly misappropriating society funds worth ₹40.94 lakh.

The accused was produced before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Baripada, following his arrest in connection with a financial irregularity case linked to the cooperative society.

According to Vigilance, the alleged fraud took place during the 2017–18 financial year while Das was serving as the Managing Director of Betnoti LAMPCS Ltd. During this period, he allegedly collected money from loanee farmers towards repayment of agricultural and crop loans, member share capital contributions, application form fees, and administrative charges.

Investigators said Das issued official money receipts to the farmers acknowledging the payments. However, instead of depositing the collected amount into the society's account, he allegedly retained the funds and failed to account for them in the official records.

The probe further revealed that Das deliberately omitted the transactions from the society's Day Book and allegedly diverted the public money for personal use. The total amount allegedly misappropriated has been estimated at ₹40,94,306.

Based on the findings, Balasore Vigilance Police registered a case against Das. Officials also noted that he had been dismissed from government service on April 4, 2022, following the allegations.

Further investigation into the case is underway to ascertain whether any additional individuals were involved in the alleged embezzlement.