Bhawanipatna: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted search operations at the office and residences of Forest range officials in Jaipatna Range under Kalahandi South division on Friday.
The ED’s Bhubaneswar Zonal office launched the investigation based on an Operational Analysis Report regarding Money Mule Accounts received from FIU-IND. Preliminary investigations revealed that forest department officials misused multiple mule accounts to divert funds meant for government schemes, with the total diversion suspected to be over Rs. 2.5 Crore, an ED press release said.
The inquiry further exposed that officials, including forest guards and rangers, opened 121 mule accounts in different individuals’ names, receiving funds through NEFT from the range office and withdrew them immediately through ATMs. Many of these accounts were opened using the same mobile numbers.
During the search operations, the ED seized various ATM cards, mobile phones, withdrawal slips, digital devices, incriminating documents, and a suspected tiger skin.
