Odisha Vigilance has arrested two more accused in connection with the alleged embezzlement of over ₹1.08 crore from the Koraput Central Co-operative Bank branch at Malkangiri.
The accused have been identified as Sushree Nibedita Tarai and her live-in partner Nrusingh Prasad Khamari. Investigators allege that the duo worked closely with Sudhansu Khora, Branch Manager of KCC Bank, who was arrested earlier on May 5 and is currently under police remand for interrogation.
Vigilance Probes ₹63 Lakh Money Trail
According to investigators, preliminary findings indicate that nearly ₹63 lakh from the misappropriated funds was transferred by Sudhansu Khora to accounts linked to Tarai and Khamari as part of a conspiracy to conceal the fraud and avoid detection.
Officials stated that Khora allegedly came into contact with Sushree Nibedita Tarai through Facebook, after which the accused reportedly planned the siphoning of bank funds together.
Authorities also confirmed that Khamari and Tarai had reportedly been in a long-term live-in relationship.
Investigation Reveals Wider Fraud Network
Separate interrogations of the accused have reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting the duo may be involved in multiple financial fraud cases across different districts and states.
Investigators said a fraud case involving approximately ₹14 lakh has reportedly been registered against Khamari in the Bangalore Police Commissionerate.
Another alleged fraud of around ₹30 lakh is also being examined in Jagatsinghpur. Odisha Vigilance suspects similar fraudulent activities may have occurred in Baripada, Paradip, and Bhubaneswar.
25 Bank Accounts and 12 Trading Accounts Under Scrutiny
As part of the ongoing financial investigation, Vigilance officials are examining 25 bank accounts allegedly linked to the accused across multiple banks.
Additionally, 12 stock trading accounts are being scrutinised by financial and banking experts to trace money transfers and identify possible additional frauds.
Officials believe the accused may have used complex financial transactions to divert and conceal illegally obtained funds.
Multiple Electronic Devices and Luxury Items Seized
During searches conducted in Bhubaneswar and Khordha, investigators recovered and seized:
- 33 mobile phones
- Desktop computers
- A tablet device
- Jewellery allegedly purchased using embezzled money
- A drone
- High-end cameras
Officials revealed that 27 of the seized mobile phones were found damaged, allegedly in an attempt to destroy digital evidence linked to the crimes.
Vigilance Suspects Organised Crime Syndicate
Odisha Vigilance suspects that Sudhansu Khora and Sushree Nibedita Tarai may have been operating an organised financial fraud network aimed at cheating multiple victims for illegal financial gain.
The agency stated that detailed investigation into the money trail, digital evidence, and possible interstate fraud links is currently underway.
Further arrests and revelations are likely as the probe progresses.
