Retired forest official accused of Rs 20 lakh fraud at Atmakur Forest Division

Vijayawada: A major financial fraud came to light in the Atmakur Forest Division of Nandyala district, where a now-retired section officer of the forest department, Chand Basha, was accused of embezzling nearly Rs 20 lakh meant for tiger conservation and check post challans. The accused is currently absconding.
According to Atmakur Town CI Ramu, the division's deputy director, Saibaba, filed a formal complaint with the police, alleging that Chand Basha, who served as the administrative officer in the deputy director's office for over 15 years, diverted govt funds using forged signatures and manipulated cheques.
The irregularities came to light only after Basha retired from service. Based on complaints received post-retirement, the department initiated an internal audit and an inquiry. The probe, conducted by the Srisailam sub-divisional forest officer (Sub-DFO), confirmed serious financial lapses.
Saibaba told police that the fraud primarily involved funds collected at the Bairluty forest check post. Normally, the money collected through vehicle challans is to be deposited in the Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank (APGB) account designated for the forest department. In March, a cheque worth Rs 1,85,793 and in April, another cheque worth Rs 17,40,200 were fraudulently diverted to bank accounts held by Basha's relatives.
The investigation revealed that eight cheques were issued during the relevant period, of which two were never deposited into the department's bank account. Saibaba stated that the signatures of senior forest officials were forged to facilitate the embezzlement. He added that an employee of the Atmakur forest office, suspected to have assisted Basha in the misappropriation, is also under scrutiny.
The diverted funds include those meant for AP Tiger Conservation operations. Chand Basha abused his position and manipulated official procedures to benefit himself and his family members. After confirming the irregularities, a police complaint was lodged, and further legal action is being pursued, Saibaba told the media.
Police are verifying facts before registering a formal case, CI Ramu added.