Sikkim Vigilance Police arrest Tourism Department head assistant in fund misappropriation case

The Sikkim Vigilance Police (SVP) arrested the Head Assistant of the Tourism Department on charges of conspiracy and misappropriation of government funds. The arrest took place in Gangtok on Tuesday as part of an ongoing anti-corruption drive by the SVP.

According to an SVP press release issued on August 11, 2026, the accused was allegedly involved in receiving funds into her bank account. The money was allegedly obtained through dishonest and fraudulent withdrawals from government accounts linked to the Gangtok District Zilla Panchayat (GDZP) and the Jal Jeevan Mission Security Deposit.

Search conducted after arrest

After the arrest, police carried out a search at the accused person’s residence. The SVP said incriminating materials relevant to the investigation were seized during the search. The accused is currently in custody and is being interrogated further by the Vigilance Police.

The action follows a written complaint lodged by the Sachiva of GDZP. Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered at the SVP Police Station against the accused public servants. The FIR includes allegations of conspiracy, cheating, and forgery.

Alleged inflated salary bills and past arrests

Investigations, as stated by the SVP, point to activity between 2018 and 2025. The accused officials, who were responsible for preparing monthly salary bills for GDZP staff, allegedly inflated their own salary bills regularly. Police said false and fabricated payee lists were forwarded to the bank for salary disbursement, and the inflated amounts were credited to the accounts of three accused public servants.

The SVP said this case has seen earlier arrests as well. Two accountants and one Senior Accountant-cum-Drawing & Disbursing Officer of GDZP were arrested previously on similar charges. The Vigilance Police also alleged that the practice continued with apparent impunity over the years, leading to a deliberate and undue pecuniary loss to the government, described as running into crores, and the siphoning of other funds from official accounts, also described as running into crores.

The SVP reiterated its focus on integrity and transparency in public administration. It appealed to citizens to share information or complaints about corruption, misconduct, or malpractice involving public servants. Complaints can be lodged at the office of Sikkim Vigilance Police at Secretariat Annexe I, Sonam Tshering Marg, Gangtok, or via email at dir.vig-sik@sikkim.gov.in.