ITDA detects Rs 18 lakh fund diversion

Rayagada: An internal audit by the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) in Rayagada revealed an alleged Rs 18.06 lakh misappropriation across seven Van Dhan Vikas Kendras. The Project Administrator has lodged an FIR, and police are investigating.

Official records indicate that VDVK programme Subject Matter Specialist Nilakantha Pandit allegedly diverted funds between October 2024 and May 2026. The unauthorised transactions were reportedly made without the knowledge of the Project Administrator or the VDVKs concerned.

A preliminary inquiry indicates that funds from seven VDVKs (Suri, Chandragiri, Mandibisi, Sikarpat, Parsali, Korpa, and Siripai) were systematically transferred through multiple transactions. The money was allegedly diverted into three main channels: a major portion went to the personal account of Subhadra Mahapatra (the accused official’s wife), another portion went directly to the accused before being withdrawn, and the remainder was paid to a Kataka-based firm for machinery purchases. Notably, the VDVKs hold no supporting bills or vouchers for these equipment claims.

The internal report estimates that Rs 18.06 lakh remains unaccounted for. It also notes that a subsequent attempt to transfer Rs 4.85 lakh from the Siripai VDVK account failed and reversed automatically because the beneficiary account was deactivated. Official documents reveal significant financial irregularities across multiple entities, led by a Rs 5.26 lakh machine purchase at Parsali VDVK that lacks supporting records. This is closely followed by an alleged diversion of Rs 4.35 lakh from Chandragiri VDVK. Furthermore, the report highlights Rs 9.44 lakh in undocumented machinery payments alongside direct NEFT transfers totaling approximately Rs 7.40 lakh into the account of the accused’s wife.

According to sources within the ITDA, the financial irregularities came to light following a detailed audit of VDVK bank statements. Copies of the formal complaint have since been submitted to the Superintendent of Police and the District Collector.

Available records show no indication that the Project Administrator or their office had prior knowledge of the alleged transactions. While the allegations stem from an official ITDA inquiry and FIR, the matter remains under active police investigation, and the accused retains the right to present an

explanation.