Bhubaneswar, Dec12:Odisha Vigilance on Thursday arrested one Assistant Commercial Tax Officer(ACTO) CT&GST and two businessmen for misappropriation of Government funds.
The accused ACTO has been identified as Abinash Pradhan whereas the businessmen are Satyaki Pattanaik and Deeptikanta Choudhury.
According to the Vigilance, Pradhan in connivance with the duo abused his official power for refunding VAT and disbursement of a sum of Rs.4,03,09,723 in favour of a private dealer named M/s G.E Verona T&D Ltd (formerly known as GE T&D India Ltd) by tampering financial instruments.
During enquiry, it revealed that Satyaki Pattanaik and Deeptikanta Choudhury in connivance with the officials of CT & GST, Bhubaneswar had siphoned off Rs.4,03,09,723/- by filing forged and fabricated appeal on behalf of the original Firm M/s G.E Verona T&D Ltd (formerly known as GE T&D India Ltd).
Based on the enquiry report, a Criminal Case by the Odisha Vigilance Cell was registered against Satyaki Pattanaik, Deeptikanta Choudhury and ACTO Abinash Pradhan.
The accused persons are sent to judicial custody. Further investigation into the matter is yet underway, said a Vigilance official.
