Phulbani, June 26 (UDN): A postmaster attached to the Gardingia Sub-Post Office in Odisha’s Kandhamal district has been arrested for allegedly misappropriating around Rs 17 lakh collected from customers for deposit into their savings accounts.

The accused, identified as Girish Nayak of Dakapala village under Phulbani police limits, was apprehended by Tikabali police from the G Udayagiri area on Thursday following an investigation into the alleged financial fraud.

According to police sources, Nayak had reportedly been collecting money from customers, assuring them that the deposits would be credited to their accounts through a mobile-based postal application. However, instead of processing the transactions, he allegedly diverted the funds for personal use.

The alleged fraud came to light after several customers found that the amounts they had deposited with the postmaster were not reflected in their respective accounts. Aggrieved account holders subsequently lodged complaints with postal authorities, prompting an internal inquiry.

Following the complaints, Inspector of G Udayagiri Postal Sub-Division Birakishore Nayak filed a formal complaint with Tikabali police. Based on the report, police launched an investigation, which ultimately led to the arrest of the accused.

Investigators suspect that more customers may have fallen victim to the fraud. Police said efforts are underway to ascertain the exact extent of the misappropriation and identify any additional victims.

Further investigation into the case is in progress.