The Odisha Vigilance has arrested Trilochan Dhal, former Chief District Veterinary Officer (CDVO) of Nuapada, and Ashok Kumar Dau, a Statistical Enumerator in the same office, for allegedly embezzling over Rs.18 lakhs of government funds allocated under the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC).
The arrests were made today following an investigation into the misappropriation of funds meant for enhancing livelihoods through dairy and goat farming and promoting environmental protection.
The misappropriated funds were allotted for the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22 under the NAFCC, a central government initiative aimed at supporting climate adaptation projects. Instead of utilising the funds for their intended purpose, the accused allegedly diverted the money into personal accounts, depriving beneficiaries of critical support for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
The Odisha Vigilance has registered a case against the duo under Koraput Vigilance PS Case No. 29/2025, charging them under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, along with Sections 409 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These charges relate to criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and corruption.
