Odisha govt suspends Sarpanch for misappropriation of funds

The Odisha government has placed a woman Sarpanch in Jajpur district under suspension on the charge of misappropriating public money, an official order said on Thursday.

It is alleged that Sanjukta Mohanty, Sarpanch of Gramnandipur gram panchayat under Dasarathapur block, embezzled government funds of Rs 11,72,500, according to the order issued by the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department.

The funds were meant for the development of the panchayat under various schemes and sanctioned by the Central Finance Commission (CFC),

Mohanty was not immediately available for comment.

Who Raised The Issue Of Misappropriation?

Social activist Jayant Sadangi raised the issue of misappropriation with the Jajpur collector last year.

In response, Collector P Anvesha Reddy directed the district panchayat officer to investigate the allegation, and it was determined to be valid, according to officials.

The government order said that Mohanty had violated provisions of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, 1964, and abused her power, acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the panchayat’s residents.

(With PTI inputs)