Jajpur: In a time when stories of financial fraud often dominate headlines, a remarkable act of integrity from rural Odisha has restored faith in everyday honesty.
Santosh Kumar Nayak of Radhadeipur village under Barachana block in Jajpur district has returned ₹7.5 lakh that was mistakenly credited to his bank account—untouched for over three months.
The amount was inadvertently transferred to Nayak’s account on December 20, 2025. Startled by the unexpected deposit, he immediately visited his bank to verify the transaction. Upon confirmation, Nayak promptly informed the Barachana police station in writing, choosing transparency over temptation.
Nearly two weeks later, Sunil Kumar, a jawan from Bihar, contacted Nayak stating that the money had been mistakenly transferred from his savings account. Nayak reassured him that the funds were safe.
On Thursday, Sunil Kumar arrived at Barachana police station to reclaim the amount. In the presence of Sub-Inspector Santanu Kumar Mishra, Nayak handed over a cheque of ₹7.5 lakh to the rightful owner, bringing the episode to a heartfelt conclusion.
Locals and officials alike have lauded Nayak’s rare honesty, with many saying such acts reaffirm that integrity still thrives in society.
