PEO arrested in Odisha for embezzling over Rs 43 lakh government funds for cricket betting 

The Odisha Vigilance Department officials on Friday arrested Khetramohan Nayak, posted as Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Radhadeipur Gram Panchayat under Sanakhemundi block in Ganjam district, for allegedly embezzling Rs 43,01,640 government funds.

According to officials, Nayak misused his official position and forged the Sarapanch’s signature to withdraw funds through cheques from government accounts maintained in Axis Bank and Canara Bank at Digapahandi Branch in Ganjam. 

The misappropriated funds were drawn from CFC, SFC, PDS, and OAP accounts of the Gram Panchayat.

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What Investigation Revealed? 

Investigations revealed that Nayak joined government service in July 2024 and had been misappropriating funds since the beginning of his tenure. The stolen money was reportedly used for betting on cricket and online gaming applications, officials said in a release.

Following the discovery of the fraud, the Berhampur Vigilance registered a case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended in 2018) and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 316(5), 336(3), 338, and 340(2).

The vigilance team has assured that further investigations are underway to uncover more details and track any additional financial irregularities linked to the accused.