Anti‑Paper Leak Bill Gets President’s Assent, Becomes Law

Odisha Vigilance today arrested Debadyuti Nanda, former Junior Assistant of the office of the Block Education Officer (BEO), Baliapal, for allegedly misappropriating government funds worth Rs 37.32 lakh. Nanda, currently posted as Junior Assistant at Padmalochan Government High School, Jagai, Baliapal, was taken into custody for preparing forged arrear pay bills between 2022 and 2026. According to Vigilance sources, Nanda fraudulently inserted his own forged arrear bills into the arrear DA bills of other employees under the BEO office, taking advantage of his position as bill clerk‑cum‑accountant. The manipulation allowed him to divert government money into his own account. A case has been registered at Baleshwar Vigilance PS Case No. 13/2026 under Sections 13(2) r/w 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and Sections 467, 468, 471, 477‑A of the IPC. The accused is being forwarded to court today. Officials said the arrest underscores Odisha Vigilance’s continued drive against financial irregularities in government offices and its focus on digital transparency and accountability.