Odisha Police Nab Two for Alleged Misappropriation of Mission Shakti Funds

Arrests Made in Fund Misappropriation Case

In a significant development, Odisha Police apprehended two individuals in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district on Tuesday for their alleged involvement in the embezzlement of Mission Shakti funds. The primary suspect, Y Hemalata, aged 37, previously served as the master bookkeeper for the Gram Panchayat Level Federation (GPLF) associated with Mission Shakti in Ganjam district.

Authorities claim that Hemalata misappropriated approximately ₹26 lakh, which she allegedly used to purchase a car, a motorcycle, and for other personal expenses. She reportedly forged the signatures of authorized personnel on several cheques, claiming they were needed to withdraw cash in emergencies, according to Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M.

Upon the discovery of the fraud, Hemalata fled the scene with the assistance of her accomplice, S Mutyala Rao, who was also arrested. The police are currently conducting an investigation to determine if additional individuals were involved in this fraudulent activity.