Derabish, Nov 12: Odisha Vigilance has arrested Sasikanta Rana, a Senior Revenue Assistant (SRA) of Derabish Block in Kendrapara district, in connection with the alleged embezzlement of over Rs 3.03 crore through fraudulent transactions in the HRMS portal.

Rana, who had been absconding for a long time, was traced and arrested by a Vigilance team in Angul using digital tracking. He is being forwarded to the Special Vigilance Court in Cuttack.

Also Read: Sub-Registrar of Baliapal under vigilance radar

According to the Vigilance investigation, Rana allegedly misappropriated government funds during his postings at two blocks while serving in charge of the establishment section, which handles salary, arrears and pension-related matters.

During his tenure at Rajkanika Block from August 30, 2023, to September 4, 2024, he allegedly misappropriated Rs 1,46,68,118. At Derabish Block, where he served from January 7 to October 13, 2025, he allegedly siphoned off another Rs 1,56,97,725.

The total alleged misappropriation stands at Rs 3,03,65,843.

Investigators found that fraudulent claims were allegedly processed in the names of retired and deceased employees for salaries, arrears, gratuity, unutilised leave and pensions through the HRMS portal.

Rana allegedly replaced the bank account details of the intended beneficiaries with private accounts held in SBI, Bank of India and Indian Bank branches in Kendrapara. These accounts reportedly belonged to him and his family members, including his spouse, father and brother, as well as a relative. The funds were transferred through NEFT transactions.

In this connection, two cases (Kataka Vigilance Police Station Case Nos. 42 and 43 of 2026) have been registered against him under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Further investigation is underway.