Odisha Vigilance arrests former PEO for embezzling Rs 53.38 lakh govt funds

Odisha Vigilance on Thursday arrested Akrura Majhi, former Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Saramuli Gram Panchayat under Daringbadi Block in Kandhamal district, on charges of misappropriating government funds amounting to over Rs 53 lakh.

The said amount was allocated under the 15th Central Finance Commission (CFC) and 5th State Finance Commission (SFC) grants, said sources.

The arrest follows a detailed verification initiated by Vigilance officials after receiving allegations of large-scale bungling of funds. 

Investigations revealed that between October 31, 2023, and November 18, 2024, during his tenure as PEO, Majhi fraudulently showed execution of various development works in the cash book of Saramuli GP and recorded full payments against them. However, in reality, the projects were never executed.

By falsifying records and siphoning off funds meant for rural development, Majhi is accused of embezzling Rs 53,38,809, causing significant loss to the state exchequer.

A case has been registered against Majhi under Sections 13(2) r/w 13(1) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The accused has been forwarded to the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Phulbani. 

Further investigation is currently underway.