The misuse of CAMPA funds in Keonjhar Forest Division is very often alleged.
Sources said that during the financial year 2019-20 , Rs 60,00,000 had been allotted to the DFO, Keonjhar for the upgradation and renovations of office building from CAMPA fund whose chairman is the Chief Secretary and the PCCF is its convenor.
However, DFO Santosh Joshi, who was transferred on August 31 decided to execute the construction of the building departmentally and entrusted Forestor Bhuapati Sethy for executing the construction of the entire new office building instead of handing over the same to PWD (Public Works Department) to execute the same with some alleged hidden agenda.
It is alleged that Bhupati in collusion with Joshi by misuse of their official power influenced the mining companies and got the building constructed with funding from KJS Ahlluwalia, Rungta and Triveni. They transferred the sanctioned Rs 60,00,000 to the account of fake vendors in the name of supply of materials and services required for the construction and then withdew the sum of money from the account.
President of Keonjhar Nagarika Mancha Kiran Sahoo and others have demanded a proper inquiry into matter and action against the errant officials.