Odisha Vigilance arrests former revenue assistant for Red Cross fund embezzlement

The Odisha Vigilance Directorate has arrested Sadashiva Pradhan, a former Senior Revenue Assistant, for the alleged embezzlement of Rs 8,63,200 from the Red Cross fund. Pradhan previously managed the Nizarat (accounts and cash) section at the Chhatrapur Sub-Collector’s office in the Ganjam district.

An investigation revealed that between December 2023 and August 2025, Pradhan issued official receipt books and collected funds intended for the Red Cross. Instead of depositing these collections into the designated State Bank of India account at the Chhatrapur branch, he allegedly misappropriated the entire amount for personal gain.

A case has been registered at the Brahmapur Vigilance Police Station under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Pradhan, who is currently posted at the Surada Tehsil Office, is being forwarded to the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, in Brahmapur.